Newsletter: Fall 2004

This issue is available for download in PDF Format (455.82K)

Same Old Story : The Case Against Kobe Bryant

About a year ago, a young woman reported that Kobe Bryant raped her. In the months since she came forward, she has suffered the harsh spotlight of the public gaze. She was called a liar in the national press, her privacy was invaded by both prosecutors and the media, and like so many rape victims, her criminal case will not go forth to trial. While this case played itself out on a bigger stage than most, it also tells the same old story about sexual assault, its perpetrators, and its victims in America. In the wake of this status quo case turned celebrity scandal, are we missing a teachable moment? [more]

Ask the Alliance

I received an awful email (I don't know how) advertising a “fantasy forced sex website with real rape scenes.” I wrote back and told them that what they advertised was sick. Is there anything else I can do? [more]

The Next Four Years

Over the next few years, we will see the legislative and judicial tone in which the anti-sexual-violence movement operates changed forever. Dozens of bills affecting victims of violence will be passed or killed. Dozens of judges will be given lifetime appointments. Millions of dollars will be spent in New York City; billions will be spent worldwide. Who will set the agenda? [more]

A Sense of Urgency

On June 14, 2004, the NYC Council held a joint committee hearing on sexual violence with the Youth, Education, and Fire and Criminal Justice Services Committees. It was the second in a series of hearings on the city's systemic response to sexual assault. Council members heard testimony and directed questions to the Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Youth and Community Development. One major concern emerged for council members: how long we can afford to wait to disseminate effective, age-appropriate information about sexual violence to young people? [more]

Forensic Healthcare Program News

The Alliance is proud to announce that the New York State Department of Health (DOH) has put their stamp of approval on our Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner training program. Earlier this month, DOH officially announced the certification of our training program, the first of its kind to be certified in this state. [more]

Policy Update

Survivors Can Speak Out On Campus | Plan B goes to Plan B | VotePower Project Fights for Victims' Vote [more]

On the Web

Does your organization have a Web site? Do you have trouble keeping it up to date? [more]

Quarterly Meeting Review

The Alliance's quarterly leadership meetings are an opportunity for our community to discuss emerging issues and trends, and address ongoing challenges to building a successful movement to end sexual assault. [more]

Just the Facts

Most crime victims do not access the victim compensation available to them through their state's compensation program. [more]

Alliance Announcements

ESSENCE Communications, Inc. presented the Alliance with a donation |The NY City Council increased its funding for the Alliance [more]