NYSCASA's 2012 Policy Agenda

Each year NYSCASA identifies its policy priorities.  

The collective needs of victims and survivors of sexual assault and abuse guide our decisions. Read more.

Our efforts to make efficient, effective use of the available resources also inform our priorities. Read more.

2012 POLICY PRIORITIES
 
Sustaining Sexual Violence Prevention and Intervention Services. NYSCASA's member rape crisis programs offer unique services that are free, confidential, cost-effective, help to mitigate the long-term impacts of sexual assault and abuse, and work to prevent the first-time perpetration of sexual violence. Read more.
 
Improving Response to and Options for Victims and Survivors.
  • NYSCASA is collaborating on the development of policies, procedures, and training for police officers regarding crimes of sexual violence.  This builds on our support of A2349/S4895, which became law in September 2011.

  • NYSCASA is working to support the release of a pediatric protocol to promote a consistent standard of care of victims of child sexual assault regardless of where they seek treatment in New York State.  Non-legislative approaches are being implemented to address this need at this time.

  • NYSCASA is encouraging an extension of the statute of limitations to allow survivors of child sexual abuse to take action well into their 40s because many survivors feel unable to come forward during their youth and young adulthood. The Child Victims Act, A5488, would only extend the statute of limitations to allow survivors to take action up to age 28.  

  • NYSCASA is in favor of increasing the number of doses in the HIV post-exposure prophylaxis starter pack that is provided to victims because many victims are unable to gain access to the medication within the timeframes needed for its effectiveness.  See A669.
NYSCASA Supports the Following Bills: 
  • A1713/S4092--expands the definition of victim for purposes of making statements at sentencing to allow more than one relative to speak.

  • A5039/S6349--prohibits discrimination based on gender identity or expression. See NYSCASA's position.

  • A669--allows for a 9-day starter pack of HIV/PEP for victims of sexual assault who are considered at risk for HIV by medical examiners conducting the forensic rape exams.
NYSCASA Position Statements
NYSCASA has been asked for its feedback/position on the following bills:
  • A8547/S5560--All Crimes DNA Act requires DNA testing of all person convicted of misdemeanors and felonies. See NYSCASA's position.

  • A8935--establishes the crime of serial sexual assault as a Class B felony. NYSCASA's feedback: a similar law already exists and this bill may actually decrease the class of felony for the crime.

  • A4028/S3975--relates to sex offenses facilitated by the use of controlled substances and date rape drugs. NYSCASA's feedback: the wording of the bill requires testing of the victim rather than allowing the victim the option of testing.

  • A5672--ensures that actual and suspected cases of child abuse are handled by properly qualified medical and allied personnel. NYSCASA's feedback under development.

  • A3537--imposes longer sentences of imprisonment upon persons convicted of a sex offense, who have a prior conviction of a sex offense committed against a child. NYSCASA's feedback under development.

  • A3914/S3129--School Workplace Violence Prevention Act. NYSCASA's feedback under development.

  • A4488--Domestic Violence Escalation Prevention Act. NYSCASA's feedback under development.