New York observes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

ALBANY, NY- New York State is observing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

After issuing a proclamation this week, Governor Hochul says she is assuring her commitment to supporting and empowering victims and survivors and preventing sexual violence in all its forms.

“Sexual violence remains a deeply serious issue impacting individuals and families across our state,” she said.

“As we recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and will continue to take meaningful action to strengthen our support systems and expand resources.”

The FY27 Executive Budget proposal includes legislation to extend sexual offense evidence collection kit retention periods for survivors assaulted as children, give certain minors more authority over decisions related to their kits, and ensure that evidence isn’t destroyed without survivors’ consent.

Current law requires that kits be retained for 20 years from the date of collection, which means that some survivors who were assaulted as children must make a decision while they are still recovering from the trauma of their assault.

New York’s Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline is available 24/7: Call: 800-942-6906 or text: 844-997-2121. Online resources are availible as well.

Image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.