Newsletter: Summer 2004

This issue is available for download in PDF Format (103.02K)

Every Victim

Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) programs, as they are known in NY, have come to national prominence as one way to accomplish the collaboration between victim advocacy, healthcare and the criminal justice system promoted by the Violence Against Women Act. But top quality medical care and forensic evidence collection do not routinely occur in hospital Emergency Departments. As the standard of care for rape victims is raised exponentially, it becomes imperative to develop ways to ensure that every rape victim in New York City has access to this new standard. Here are some critical issues that must be included in the dialogue on this pressing concern. [more]

Time for Plan C?

The spring was a tumultuous time for New York City activists working to make Plan B (a brand of emergency contraception) readily available to all women who need it. [more]

Legislative Awareness Day

The annual Legislative Awareness Day in Albany provides an opportunity each year for advocates, survivors, allies, and legislators to unite for the purpose of generating awareness, creating change, and dialoguing about issues surrounding sexual assault. The legislative agenda for this year’s “A Day to End Sexual Violence,” hosted by the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault, focused on four main areas: resources to sustain programs, greater access to services for survivors and their loved ones, improving safety and strengthening the legal response to sexual violence, and enhanced community education. [more]

March for Women’s Lives

Anti-sexual assault advocates were among those who boarded buses early one morning last April for the long drive to Washington, DC to join the March for Women’s Lives. Several of the city’s rape crisis programs carried banners in the march, joining thousands of New Yorkers on buses sponsored by NOW NYC, Planned Parenthood, and other pro-choice organizations to be part of the capitol’s largest women’s rights rally. [more]

City Council Women’s Issues Committee Hearing

On April 13th a hearing was held by the City Council Women’s Issues Committee, entitled “Sexual Violence Across the Lifespan.” This article was written by a survivor who testified at the hearing. [more]

Quarterly Meeting Review

The Alliance’s April and June quarterly meetings were particularly productive and stimulating. At the meetings, we focused on understanding and building coalition, and making the most of our partnerships. [more]

Forensic Healthcare Program Report

This April’s second annual Criminal Justice Collaboration Conference marked two years of commitment, availability, and partnership amongst New York City and State professionals actively involved in helping sexual assault survivors recover and rebuild their lives. [more]

Ask the Alliance

If a woman is sexually assaulted and suspects that she may have been drugged, how can she find out? Does she have to report to the police? [more]

Policy Update

Senate Rejects Timothy's Law for Mental Health Parity | Increased Access to Emergency Contraception Blocked | DNA Submission for Convicted Criminals Expanded | Joyce Leslie Recalls Shirts with Harmful Message to Girls [more]

Alliance Announcements

Welcome to Tamara Pollak, Forensic Healthcare Program Director | New York State Senator Tom Duane contributes $5,000 | Alliance fifth anniversary celebration and benefit | Alliance receives New York Women’s Foundation grant to increase public awareness | "Listen: 24 Hours of Survivors Stories" event is a success [more]