For Immediate Release: April 2, 2019

Contact: Selena Bennett-Chambers, Director of Public Policy

Albany, NY — As an organization dedicated to ending sexual violence and all forms of oppression, the New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA) thanks Governor Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Heastie, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and the New York State legislature for ensuring there were no funding cuts for the rape crisis programs. With the increased demand for services, programs need additional funding and can’t afford any funding cuts. In addition, we appreciate the fact that there was some progress made as it relates to rape shield protections for victims of sex trafficking. We must do all we can to support victims of sexual violence.