Alliance: Newsletter: Summer 2005: Policy Update
Newsletter: Summer 2005: Policy Update
Direct Reimbursement for Sexual Assault Exams
Thanks to a law passed last year, since April 2005 the NY State Crime Victims Board (CVB) has been providing direct reimbursement to hospitals for sexual assault forensic health care exams. This protects personal privacy for victims, while reimbursing providers when the victim does not have access to private health insurance or chooses not to use private health insurance. Direct reimbursement forms are included in new NYS Sexual Offense Evidence Collection kits. To learn more, visit CVB online at www.cvb.state.ny.us/FRE.htm or contact them at 1-800-247-8035 ( TTY: 1-888-289-9749), cvbinfo@cvb.state.ny.us, or New York State Crime Victims Board, Attn: FRE Processing, 845 Central Avenue – South 3, Albany, NY 12206.Rape Crisis Program funding cut
The New York State Department of Health has cut the funding to the twenty-one rape crisis programs in New York City and the Alliance by 14%. This funding supports programs in five boroughs for crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy and education to survivors and the community. While some of the dollars come from the federal government to support prevention initiatives, state dollars support survivor services. As a result, programs will have to cut the level of services they are able to provide. If you are concerned about this, contact the Governor and your state legislators and let them know how valuable rape crisis centers and the Alliance are to New York City.The Unintended Pregnancy Prevention Act
By a vote of 34-27-1, the State Senate passed S.3661. This critical legislation allows a woman to go directly to a pharmacist to obtain emergency contraception (EC*). While the Bush Administration continues to hold up approval of over-the-counter access to EC, the women of New York can now avoid unnecessary delays in getting birth control. This bill will assist those rape victims who do not go to hospital emergency departments for treatment immediately following a sexual assault.Echoing the support of the State Assembly earlier this year, state senators from both sides of the aisle came together to pass this bill. Thanks to Senator Nicholas Spano (R) and Assemblyperson Amy Paulin (D) for sponsoring the bill, and Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno (R) and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D) for their leadership. We await Governor Pataki’s action to sign the bill into law.
End Demand for Sex Trafficking Act of 2005 [H.R.2012, S.937]
Introduced in the house by Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH) with Congresswoman Caroline Maloney (D-NY), and in the Senate by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Arlen Specter (R-PN). The purpose of the bill is to “combat commercial sexual activities by targeting demand, to protect children from being exploited by such activities, to prohibit the operation of sex tours, to assist State and local governments to enforce laws dealing with commercial sexual activities, [and] to reduce trafficking in persons...” Primarily, the bill seeks to reduce the demand for sex trafficking and provide funding to law enforcement agencies to prosecute purchasers, sex traffickers and exploiters. End Child Pornography, Child Prostitution and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes-USA (ECPAT-USA), the Girls Education and Mentoring Services and Equality Now support the bill, and its call for stronger treatment services for domestic victims of sexual exploitation.Bills Introduced to Prevent Unwanted Pregnancy and STIs for Victims
The Compassionate Assistance for Rape Emergencies (CARE) Act was introduced by Senators Jon S. Corzine (NJ), Hillary Rodham Clinton (NY) and Olympia Snowe (ME), and in the House by Representatives Steve Rothman (NJ) and Rob Simmons (CT). This legislation would ensure that survivors of rape have access to and information about emergency contraception. The CARE Act would also make certain that women receive the necessary medical care to prevent sexually transmitted infections. The Best Help for Rape Victims Act, introduced in the House by Congresswoman Caroline Maloney (D-NY), would amend the national protocol for sexual assault examinations to include giving victims at risk for pregnancy information on emergency contraception, and providing the medication on-site if requested.Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) - landmark legislation that provides life-saving hotlines, shelters, services and laws to protect victims of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking - will expire September 30 unless Congress acts quickly!First passed in 1994, and reauthorized and expanded in 2000, VAWA has marked a turning point in our nation's response to the epidemic of violence against women. While VAWA programs have made a huge difference in our communities, there is still much more to be done. This year’s addition of the Sexual Assault Services Act (SASA) specifically strengthens the response to sexual violence and makes VAWA an even better way to address sexual and domestic violence in our communities.
The new VAWA has been introduced by Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA) and Joseph Biden (D-DE) and Representatives James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Mark Green (R-WI). Let your elected officials know how valuable the services funded by VAWA are to New York City.
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[1]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_column_4.html
[2]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_article_205.html
[3]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/home/nycaasa/stage.nycagainstrape.org/newsletter_article_207.html
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