Newsletter: Winter 2005: Policy Update

Is every rape victim who wants emergency contraception receiving it?
New York City and New York State both passed laws last year that require all hospitals who provide treatment to rape victims after a sexual assault to offer and provide emergency contraception to rape victims.  We applaud the City Council and state legislature for this important step.  We don't know, however, if these laws are being enforced.  The city's law requires city contract agencies to collect proof that a hospital provides emergency contraception to rape victims whenever appropriate.  The state has the authority and has mandated the provision of emergency contraception.  The Alliance will follow up to find out if existing enforcement mechanisms are being utilized and if, in fact, every rape victim in NYC is receiving emergency contraception if she chooses.

First-ever funding for rape crisis services
The New York City Council, under the leadership of Gifford Miller and Council Member Tracy Boyland has provided funding to four rape crisis programs in New York City for the 05 funding year.  This funding is the first time city funds have ever been provided for direct services to rape and sexual abuse survivors.  One program from each of four boroughs is utilizing this funding in innovative ways.  The programs are:  Kingsbridge Heights Community Center Child Sexual Abuse Treatment and Prevention Program in the Bronx, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Crime Victims Treatment Center in Manhattan, Mt. Sinai Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Program in Queens, and Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn.  Kudos to the Council for this innovation.  The Alliance looks forward to expanding this type of funding in the future to assist victims of sexual assault and abuse in underserved communities/areas.

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