Dear New Yorkers,

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month – an important time to raise awareness of sexual assault, stand up for survivors, and speak out against societal myths and attitudes that normalize and perpetuate sexual misconduct.

As New York City Comptroller, I take sexual assault awareness and prevention very seriously. Part of ensuring a just and equitable City is guaranteeing that all New Yorkers can live free from sexual abuse.

In recent years, New York has taken positive steps to support survivors and eradicate sexual assault – like the “Adult Survivors Act and Strengthening Support for Survivors of Domestic Abuse,” which Governor Hochul signed into law earlier this year.

Sponsored by State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, the legislation modernizes New York’s rape statutes, making it easier to hold perpetrators of sex crimes accountable and better protect members of the LGBTQ+ community, who are victims of rape and sexual assault at higher rates than cis-gendered heterosexual Americans.

On the City level, I’m proud that the “Just Cause” bill I sponsored as a City Councilmember (and which was passed in 2020 in partnership with 32BJ SEIU) is helping to protect workers in the fast food industry from sexual assault and harassment.

This legislation prohibits employers from firing or substantially reducing the hours of a fast food employee without “just cause.” By putting franchisers on the hook for compliance with our human rights law, fast food workers have the power to stand up in the face of sexual harassment and discrimination.

But for all the progress we’ve made, our City has serious work to do.

A recent example is the Department of Correction’s alleged failure to protect women in its custody from sexual assault. Stories of violence, mismanagement, and lack of accountability demonstrate why we must close Rikers ASAP and appoint a federal receiver to keep people safe.

So throughout the rest of the month, let’s recommit to ending sexual assault. Let’s recommit to supporting survivors, and common sense legislation that ensures that all New Yorkers can live free from sexual and gender-based violence and harassment.

In solidarity,

Brad

P.S. If you, or someone you know, is seeking support regarding sexual violence, free and confidential help is always available. Find resources and support in NYC by searching the NYCHope Resource Directory, or call 311 to be connected to the nearest NYC Family Justice Center.