Civil Sex Assault Claims

Statute of Limitations for Civil Sex Assault Claims in New York

Deadlines to file a civil sex assault claim in New York have shifted significantly over the past decade. Recent legislation has extended, revived, and, in some cases, permanently expanded the time survivors have to sue. Understanding which deadline applies is essential before deciding whether to bring a case.

The Child Victims Act (CVA)

The CVA, passed in 2019, extended the statute of limitations for survivors who were abused as minors. Under current law, a survivor may bring a civil claim for childhood sexual abuse until age 55. The CVA also opened a two-year look-back window, which closed in August 2021, that revived claims that had previously expired.

The Adult Survivors Act (ASA)

The ASA, signed into law in 2022, opened a one-year look-back window from November 2022 to November 2023 for adults abused after age 18 whose claims were otherwise time-barred. Many high-profile filings followed. That window has now closed, and adult survivors of newer incidents must generally rely on the standard statutes of limitations.

The Gender-Motivated Violence Act

The state GMVA carries a seven-year statute of limitations from the date of the act, with certain tolling provisions. The New York City Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law also carries a seven-year period and had its own look-back window that closed in March 2025.

Standard tort deadlines

Absent a special statute, sexual assault claims in New York are usually brought as intentional torts, such as battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The general limitations period for these claims is one to three years, which is short and unforgiving. Claims against certain public entities require notice of claim within 90 days.

Federal claims

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) has its own 10-year limitations period for civil claims arising from sex trafficking, which can be substantially longer than state deadlines.

Why timing matters

Missing a filing deadline typically ends a claim entirely, regardless of its underlying strength. Any survivor considering a civil claim should speak with counsel promptly, even if the abuse occurred years ago, because tolling doctrines, discovery rules, and overlapping statutes may create a viable path that is not obvious.

At John J. Zidziunas & Associates, LLC, we represent survivors of sexual assault in civil actions across New York and New Jersey. To discuss your case confidentially, call us at (212) 516-1868 or contact us here. We represent survivors on a contingency fee basis with free consultations.

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