On Dec. 15 experts from across NY State gathered in Albany to describe their experiences responding to cases of child sexual assault and their frustrations with an uncoordinated system that means some children do not get the medical forensic exams they need.

Assembly members Aileen Gunther Dist. 98, Ellen Jaffee Dist 95, and Richard Gottfried Dist 75, were absorbed in three hours of powerful testimony from adult survivors, parents, emergency room doctors, pediatricians, nurses, attorneys, advocates and other providers who drew a sobering assessment of current services and a roadmap for the future. Not all solutions cost more money although stable funding is a basic need.  An investment in medical forensic services will actually cut long term costs of medical and mental health care, as it provides better evidence and improves conviction rates in court.

The Roundtable was the result of a White Paper Pediatric Sexual Assault and Abuse in NYS, a study undertaken in 2009 by the NYS Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA.org) and funded by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services.  (http://nyscasa.org/sites/default/files/manuals/PediatricWhitePaper.pdf)  This report calls for a single coordinator to oversee interagency cooperation, specialized training for medical providers who perform the sexual assault forensic exam, and statewide standards and protocols to improve evidence collection and use in successful prosecutions.

To be considered as part of this roundtable submit your written statements by Jan 31 to:

NYSCASA
28 Essex St.
Albany, NY 12206
jmcpherson@nyscasa.org

or to:

Aileen M. Gunther
Member of Assembly
LOB 435
Albany, NY 12248
gunthea@assembly.state.ny.us