TAKE ACTION: Sign On To Support Survivors in DC!
In December, survivors, advocates, and organizations (including many of you!) joined together at a public hearing to tell DC Council, in no uncertain terms, that our community wants justice for sexual assault survivors. The DC Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety hearing regarding the Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights Amendment Act (SAVRAA) of 2013 was a resounding success. But there is still more work to be done.
Since the hearing, we’ve heard from even more individuals and organizations wanting to support needed changes to SAVRAA. To accommodate this growing movement, Collective Action for Safe Spaces, DC Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC) and National Organization for Women DC Chapter (DC NOW), survivors and community advocates have launched the DC Justice For Survivors Campaign (DC JSC). Through this campaign, we will work to ensure that DC Council passes the strongest bill possible to protect and increase the rights of survivors.
What we’re asking of you:
Add your name to the DC Justice for Survivors Campaign (DC JSC) as a supporter.
You can sign on behalf of an organization or as an individual/community member. Your name, organization (if applicable), and Ward number will be included in this first letter sent on behalf of the DC Justice for Survivors Coalition to the Mayor and all members of DC Council. Be sure to read the letter we’re sending to DC Council, which outlines our support for SAVRAA as well as recommendations to improve the bill, including:
- Remove any exception to a survivor’s right to a sexual assault victim advocate;
- Establish a comprehensive external sexual assault case review process, and
- Require the inclusion of an independent consultant to assist MPD with implementation of reforms.
Next, get involved in our organizing efforts!
If you want to do more, be sure to select “I want to get more involved” when you sign your name to the letter. Want to take an extra step? Send this page to any friends, neighbors and colleagues you who know might also show their support! We’re especially looking for sign-ons from DC organizations. The more support we have, the stronger the bill we have for survivors.
By signing on, you are supporting the DC Justice for Survivors Campaign’s (JSC) organizing principles, goals, and recommendations for a stronger Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights Amendment Act (SAVRAA). Your signature makes a difference, and by signing on to the DC Justice for Survivors Campaign, you are helping to make history here in the District.
In The News
- D.C. Council Bill Would Offer More Support To Rape Victims, WAMU 88.5/NPR, 12/13/13
- D.C. Council Considers Stronger Support for Sex Assault Victims, NBC Washington, 12/12/13
- Hearing on Sex Assault Victim Help, CSN Washington, 12/12/13
- DC bill targets police mishandling of sexual assault victims, Al Jazeera, 12/12/13
- Council Will Hold Hearing On Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights Bill, DCist, 12/11/13
