The Campaign – Called Take Rape Seriously NOW – Will Hold Congress, Administration Accountable to Women; Kick-Off Event Planned for Monday

WHAT: Take Rape Seriously NOW Campaign kick-off to protect women and preserve VAWA funding

WHERE: Bowling Green Fountain (near cross streets of Broadway and Bowling Green)

WHEN: Monday, March 20th @ 11:30AM

WHO: Sonia Ossorio, president of NOW-NY, VAWA recipient anti-violence organizations, survivors, NOW members. Members of Congress and City Councilmembers invited.

New York, NY – The National Organization for Women-New York (NOW-NY) will host a kick-off press conference announcing the launch of their Take Rape Seriously NOW Campaign, aimed at fighting back against President Trump’s and Attorney General Session’s anti-women agenda and the threats already being made against funding for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

VAWA has transformed they way government responds to domestic and sexual violence and has served as a model around the world. New York State has benefited tremendously from VAWA grants. In 2016 alone, the state received $7.7 million in federal funding, an increase of $662,000 to support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault through programs offered by non-profit organizations, hospitals and law enforcement agencies across the state.

This campaign will call on the New York congressional delegation to continue to fully fund VAWA, implement VAWA with the vigor of every other administration since its inception in 1994 and to oppose any legislation or budget cuts that would seek to dismantle the rights of women.

The press conference will take place just steps away from the Fearless Girl monument and the offices of several local VAWA recipients who provide vital support to women of all races, immigration status, ages, and gender identity.

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