New York City is temporarily putting the brakes on dozens of lawsuits alleging government negligence in cases of gender-motivated violence, while lawmakers work to pass a new bill that would give survivors a clearer path to accountability.
The pause, which will affect hundreds of cases, comes as the city's Law Department delays action on claims brought by victims who say they were abused or failed by institutions like the juvenile justice system. The department has agreed to put these lawsuits "on hold" until the end of the year, pending new legislation that would broaden the statute of limitations for such cases.
Lawmakers had proposed a bill in May, which is now being negotiated with stakeholders to avoid errors and legal obstacles. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams' office says this approach will help ensure survivors aren't left without resolution while negotiations proceed.
Under the new bill, survivors would have one year from March 2026 to file new suits for incidents before 2022, allowing for cases that date back decades to be revisited. While some attorneys representing plaintiffs in these cases say their clients have waited long enough, others express frustration at the delay.
The proposed legislation has garnered broad support from lawmakers, but its cost is a concern - estimates suggest it could hit $1 billion. Lawmakers are considering creating a settlement fund to provide survivors with accountability without having to fight expensive court battles. However, critics say that talk of cost can be overshadowing when discussing the lives forever changed by such abuse.
The push for this bill has faced criticism from some lawmakers and advocates, who argue that it's taking too long to act. But supporters like Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers hope that a vote on the bill is imminent, giving survivors clarity before the end of the year.
The pause, which will affect hundreds of cases, comes as the city's Law Department delays action on claims brought by victims who say they were abused or failed by institutions like the juvenile justice system. The department has agreed to put these lawsuits "on hold" until the end of the year, pending new legislation that would broaden the statute of limitations for such cases.
Lawmakers had proposed a bill in May, which is now being negotiated with stakeholders to avoid errors and legal obstacles. Council Speaker Adrienne Adams' office says this approach will help ensure survivors aren't left without resolution while negotiations proceed.
Under the new bill, survivors would have one year from March 2026 to file new suits for incidents before 2022, allowing for cases that date back decades to be revisited. While some attorneys representing plaintiffs in these cases say their clients have waited long enough, others express frustration at the delay.
The proposed legislation has garnered broad support from lawmakers, but its cost is a concern - estimates suggest it could hit $1 billion. Lawmakers are considering creating a settlement fund to provide survivors with accountability without having to fight expensive court battles. However, critics say that talk of cost can be overshadowing when discussing the lives forever changed by such abuse.
The push for this bill has faced criticism from some lawmakers and advocates, who argue that it's taking too long to act. But supporters like Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers hope that a vote on the bill is imminent, giving survivors clarity before the end of the year.
I totally get why the city is putting these lawsuits on hold - it's crazy how many cases are piling up and the system can't keep up. My cousin went through something similar when she tried to report her sister's abuse by a coach in high school, and the whole process was super frustrating.
My aunt worked with a non-profit that helps survivors, and they said that just getting the law changed wasn't enough - they needed real support from the government.
... I mean, think about it, $1 billion for a settlement fund? That's some big cash, and who gets to decide how it's spent? 
Plus, what's really in this legislation? Is it just about giving survivors closure, or is there more to it? 
I don't trust the lawmakers' intentions just yet... but at the same time, if this bill can genuinely help those who've been hurt, then maybe we should be willing to listen and work with them. 
The government's always playing both sides, you know? 
, at least for now. It means lawmakers are taking their time to get it right and make sure we're creating a system that truly supports survivors of gender-motivated violence. The fact that they're considering a settlement fund to help with costs is also super hopeful – it's like they're thinking about the bigger picture 
. I mean, $1 billion might seem like a lot, but if it means giving people justice and closure after being through so much trauma... I'm all for it 
. And who knows, maybe this delay will actually lead to an even better bill that everyone can get behind? Fingers crossed! 
. I mean, I get it, there needs to be some sort of compromise, but $1 billion is a huge price tag 
. Can't we just prioritize people's lives over budget concerns? It's like they're trying to sweep this under the rug and let survivors rot 
.
! the idea of a settlement fund sounds like a great way forward though 
. 1 billion dollar price tag is steep, but survivors deserve a fighting chance too 
. gotta keep pushing for change and hope lawmakers can get it done ASAP 
#JusticeForSurvivors #AccountabilityMatters #EndTheWait
You can get frustrated and wanna smash that horn at 'em, but it's not gonna solve anything. And honestly, survivors of these abuse cases are still stuck in traffic - in life. They're fighting for justice, and sometimes that takes time.
! They're putting the brakes on all these lawsuits for gender-motivated violence and abuse?! Like, what's taking so long? These people have been suffering in silence for years, decades even! 
.
It's not right that they have to wait another year or more to get justice.
shouldn't we prioritize getting these cases resolved so survivors don't have to live with trauma forever 
And yeah, I get that cost is an issue, but $1 billion for accountability? That's nothing compared to what people have lost over the years 
like what if those people have been waiting years for justice? and now it's just gonna be delayed till march 2026 
but $1 billion is crazy 
and create a settlement fund ASAP 
