Statements issued by NAESV on policy and current events:
NAESV Applauds the Release of the New Title IX Rule to Prevent Harassment in Schools
April 19, 2024:
Today, the Department of Education released new, long-awaited Title IX regulations governing how schools respond to harassment which will create safer and more supportive environments for survivors to come forward and seek assistance and justice. To read more, click here.
NAESV Awarded $500,000 to Establish Sexual Assault Capacity Building Center
October 24, 2023:
On September 29, 2023, the Administration of Children and Families (ACF) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced awards totaling $9.85 million from the Office on Family Violence and Prevention to support 39 new competitive discretionary grants. The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) was awarded $500,000 as one of two sexual assault capacity building centers that will work nationwide to build and sustain trauma-informed and developmentally sensitive and relevant services for those affected by sexual assault and other traumas. To read more, click here.
NAESV & NNEDV Host Digital Day of Action for Victims of Crime Act
September 12, 2023:
Today, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV), are hosting a digital day of action to call on Congress to stave off catastrophic cuts to federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants, which provide lifesaving services to millions of victims each year. To read more, click here.
NAESV Applauds Executive Order Implementing Historic Military Justice Reforms Strengthening the Response to Sexual Assault
July 28, 2023:
Today, President Biden signed an executive order implementing changes recommended by the Department of Defense Internal Review Commission and included in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2021 removing prosecution of sexual assault and related crimes from the chain of command. To read more, click here.
NAESV Celebrates the Appointment of Rosemarie Hidalgo as the new Director of the Office on Violence Against Women
July 11, 2023:
Washington, D.C.–The National Alliance to End Violence Against Sexual Violence (NAESV) celebrates the confirmation of Rosemarie Hidalgo as the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) at the U. S. Department of Justice. This is the first time since 2010 that Congress has confirmed a Director for OVW. To read more, click here.
NAESV Cheers the Release of the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence
May 25, 2023:
Today, the White House released the first National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence: Strategies for Action, an historic milestone in our nation’s commitment to addressing and ending sexual assault and all forms of gender-based violence. To read the statement from our President and CEO and to learn more, click here.
Congressional Briefing in Honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month
May 11, 2023:
On April 27, 2023, the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence and Honorary Co-Hosts Senators Robert Casey (D-PA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) held a congressional briefing at the Russell Senate Office Building in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month here.
NAESV Responds to Continued Efforts to Impede Abortion Access
April 14, 2023:
As court proceedings move forward, determining the fate of the availability of Mifepristone as an abortion medication, NAESV condemns the ongoing, unconscionable attacks on reproductive freedom and access to abortion care. Less than one year after the Supreme Court Decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk of Texas suspended the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, ignoring the broad, safe usage of the medication since the original FDA approval in 2000. According to the FDA, more than 5.6 million people in the US used the medication prior to June 2020 with less than 1/10 of 1% reporting complications of using the drug. Read more
We’re Hiring! Corporate Research Associate – Apply Today!
January 9, 2023:
We are seeking an innovative, creative, analytical, and strategic person, who is passionate about our values and guiding principles and mission of empowering industries, sectors, and systems to create organizational cultures free from sexual harassment, misconduct, and abuse. The individual must be able to navigate the intersections of corporate culture and needs with the expertise of a complex nonprofit collaborative. The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex problems, works effectively with cross-functional teams, can work independently with minimal supervision or direction, and thrives in a fast-paced setting that is constantly evolving. Read more
NAESV Celebrates New HHS Director of Sexual & Gender-Based Violence
November 15, 2022:
Washington, D.C.–The National Violence Against Sexual Violence (NAESV) celebrates a major victory today largely due to the advocacy efforts of over 19 leading national anti–sexual violence organizations and 47 state and territorial sexual assault coalitions who requested the Biden Administration create a new senior position at the Depatment of Health and Human Services (HHS) focused on sexual violence. Today, NAESV applauds the appointment of Lynn Rosenthal as the first HHS Director of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Read more
We’re Hiring! Housing Project Coordinator – Apply Today!
October 14, 2022:
The Housing Project Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of all aspects of the NAESV’s work to address sexual assault, homelessness, and housing consistent with the philosophy, values, and mission of NAESV. Read more
NAESV Condemns Supreme Court Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Overturning Roe v. Wade
June 24, 2022:
The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence condemns today’s decision by the Supreme Court of the United States to overrule Roe v. Wade eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion. Recovering from sexual violence and access to reproductive justice are both fundamentally about bodily autonomy, empowerment and choice, and person-centered care. We can’t address and end sexual violence unless survivors and all people are able to freely decide what happens to their bodies. Read more
NAESV Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Title IX and Applauds the Release of a New Draft Title IX Rule
June 23, 2022:
Today, on the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the United States Department of Education has released a new draft rule to govern schools’ responses to sexual violence and ensure gender equity for students. Read more
New Sexual Violence Data from the CDC Confirms: Sexual Violence Remains a Widespread and Devastating Public Health Crisis
June 14, 2022:
It is difficult to collect accurate data on sexual violence, and NAESV is grateful to the CDC researchers for their rigorous and ethical approach to methodology. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) provides critically important data. Sexual violence is a complex problem. Social norms related to gender, a culture that persists in victim blaming attitudes, and the significant traumatic impacts of sexual violence make it difficult for survivors to freely share their experiences. Read more
Meet Our New President and CEO, Monika Johnson Hostler
April 1, 2022:
This April, as we celebrate Sexual Assault Awareness Month and redouble our efforts to support survivors and end sexual violence, we are thrilled to announce an exciting change at the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV). Our inspiring leader, Monika Johnson Hostler, will become NAESV’s first Chief Executive Officer. In her new role as President and CEO, she will be able to expand her visionary leadership to support NAESV in a time of exciting growth while remaining executive director of the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Read more
Supporting Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
March 20, 2022:
On behalf of our organizations across the country working to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals, we write to you about Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, nominated to the Supreme Court of the United States. Together, we represent thousands of victim service providers and the millions of victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault they serve. Read more
NAESV Cheers Signing of Omnibus Appropriations Bill Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act
March 15, 2022:
The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) applauds the House and Senate passage of the FY 2022 Omnibus Appropriations Act signed into law by President Biden today which includes the strong, bipartisan Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act (VAWA). In addition to strong provisions to ensure survivors’ access to healing services and programs to prevent sexual violence, the bill increases the funding for the Sexual Assault Services Program, Rape Prevention and Education Program, and Culturally Specific Services Program. Read more
NAESV Celebrates Senate Introduction of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022 And Urges Swift Action!
February 9, 2022:
NAESV applauds Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) for introducing the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 today. This important bill reflects a bipartisan consensus that the government needs to do more to prevent and to respond to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. The bill addresses the many needs identified during extensive engagement. Read more
NAESV Applauds Landmark Bipartisan Agreement to Address Military Sexual Assault in the National Defense Authorization Act
December 7, 2021:
The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence welcomed the report of the Department of Defense Internal Review Commission (IRC) on Sexual Assault in the Military along with the visionary leadership of President Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Now, the National Defense Reauthorization Act (NDAA) agreement reached by Congress enshrines some of the major recommendations of the IRC ensuring that sexual assault and other major crimes are prosecuted by attorneys with specialized expertise independent from the chain of command. Read more.
NAESV Applauds First-Ever National Strategy on Gender Equality
October 22, 2021:
Today, the White House Gender Policy Council issued a historic first-ever strategy to address gender equity and equality with a government-wide, intersectional approach. Monika Johnson Hostler, President of the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, gave the following statement…Read more.
Renewing and Strengthening the Violence Against Women Act
October 5, 2021:
On behalf of the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV), representing 56 state and territorial sexual assault coalitions and more than 1500 local rape crisis centers, I respectfully submit this testimony in support of renewing, strengthening, and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Read more.
Statement on Guilty Verdict in Federal Trial Against R. Kelly
September 27, 2021:
Today, NAESV released the following statement after a federal jury in New York found R. Kelly guilty on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. Read more.
Sexual Assault Coalition Public Policy Engagement | September 2021
September 1, 2021:
In June 2021, NAESV surveyed sexual assault coalitions to gather information about the ways that state/territory level policy development and advocacy is conducted by their organizations. Thirty-six coalitions responded to questions about staff, membership, and survivor engagement in public policy efforts; strategies for policy development and decision-making; and coalition building more broadly. This paper will also spotlight policy approaches from several coalitions, based on follow up conversations. Read more.
NATIONAL ALLIANCE TO END SEXUAL VIOLENCE APPLAUDS SIGNING OF THE VOCA FIX
July 29, 2021:
The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) applauds the passage of The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA Fix) to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 which was signed into law on Thursday, July 22nd by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. After extensive federal, state, and local advocacy, the Senate passed the VOCA Fix Act in a strong bipartisan way with a vote of 100 to 0. The House overwhelmingly passed the VOCA Fix in March. Read more.
Building Alliances: Guidance for Sexual Violence Organizations Engaging in Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice Advocacy
June 2021:
The movement for reproductive health, rights, and justice* and the movement to end sexual violence share values, histories and goals. But far too often, our movements have been siloed, and opportunities to work collaboratively toward common goals have been overlooked. Sometimes this has been a result of calculated strategic choices, sometimes because of a misalignment in strategies and tactics, and sometimes a consequence of politics and polarization. Read more
RALIANCE’s Terri Poore: The Intersectional Fight Against Anti-LGBTQ+ Legislation
June 24, 2021:
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the spectrum of ways humans can express themselves and build relationships. It’s also a time to acknowledge and address both the past and ongoing oppression of LGBTQ+ people and its intersection with racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. Read more
NAESV Celebrates Pride Month
June 16, 2021:
During Pride month, we commemorate the Stonewall riots of 1969 in 2021 and the extraordinary bravery of trans women of color, and we also highlight the disproportionate impact of sexual violence on LGBTQ communities. Within these communities, transgender people and bisexual women face the highest rates of sexual violence and lesbian, gay, and bisexual people experience sexual violence at similar or higher rates than straight people. Read more
NAESV Applauds the President’s Budget
May 28, 2021:
On behalf of survivors, the nation’s 1500+ rape crisis centers, and the state and territorial sexual assault coalitions, the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) applauds the President’s budget released today. Read more
VOCA & VAWA: Key Legislative & Funding Initiatives to Support Survivors & Prevent Sexual Violence
May 7, 2021:
On April 29th the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence hosted a bipartisan, bicameral virtual congressional briefing in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In case you missed it, you can see the full briefing here.
You’re invited! Congressional Briefing in Honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April 19, 2021:
You’re invited to a bipartisan, bicameral virtual congressional briefing in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Join us on Thursday, March 29th at 2pm for VOCA & VAWA: Key Legislative & Funding Initiatives to Support Survivors & Prevent Sexual Violence. For more information and to register, click here.
Survivors at the Center of Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April 1, 2021:
As April begins, and we gear up for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we cannot help but reflect on the past year. Last April, rape crisis centers were quickly transitioning to virtual services while trying to meet the emergency needs of survivors and keep staff safe; while in person fundraisers and awareness events were being canceled in droves; and we were all reeling from the physical and social and emotional impact of the pandemic. At the same time, we continued wrestling as a nation with the dual pandemic of systemic racism. And then, in the fall, we voted in a historic presidential election with far-reaching consequences. As we continue to figure out the way forward together…
NAESV Applauds House Passage of Violence Against Women Act
March 17, 2021:
Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1620, the bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 (VAWA). National Alliance to End Sexual Assault President, Monika Johnson Hostler said:
“On behalf of the 56 state and territorial sexual assault coalitions and more than 1500 local programs who provide the frontline response to sexual assault in their communities every day, I want to express the immense gratitude of the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) to Chairwoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Chairman Jerrold Nadler, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and all of the co-sponsors and supporters of H.R. 1620, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women, as we…”
NAESV Celebrates American Rescue Plan Providing First COVID Relief Funding for Survivors of Sexual Assault
March 10, 2021:
Today, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan and sent this landmark legislation, so desperately needed, to President Biden’s desk for his signature. The American Rescue Plan sends a clear message to survivors of sexual assault: we hear you and you have our support. As many survivors struggle with severe trauma reactions due to the increased stress of the pandemic, rape crisis centers and culturally specific programs are struggling to meet those needs just as they are committed to finding innovative solutions. The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) celebrates this first relief funding targeted specifically to sexual assault programs and culturally specific services…
NAESV Applauds House Introduction of Violence Against Women Act
March 9, 2021:
Each reauthorization of VAWA gives us the opportunity to evolve our national response to gender-based violence. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021 introduced by Representatives Jackson Lee, Nadler and Fitzpatrick meets that challenge. The legislation includes investments in the nation’s flagship sexual assault survivor services and prevention programs, the Sexual Assault Services Program and Rape Prevention & Education Program, prioritizes services and responses to vulnerable survivors and communities, and ensures the involvement of state sexual assault coalitions in prevention work. The national network of state and local advocates wholeheartedly supports this legislation and urges its swift passage in both the House and Senate…
The VOCA Fix to Sustain the Crime Victims Fund Act of 2021 Introduced in Congress
March 4, 2021:
The situation is dire! Federal grants to victim services through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) decreased by 35% last year on top of a 25% decrease the previous year, and further drastic cuts are expected, because the non-taxpayer-funded pool of funding VOCA grants are pulled from is running dry. Congress can fix this by ensuring federal financial penalties from deferred prosecution and non-prosecution agreements are treated the same way as penalties resulting from criminal convictions – that they go to serve and compensate crime victims…
HHS Special Advisor on Sexual Violence
January 15, 2021:
We are 19 national organizations who are leaders on the issues of sexual and domestic violence both in terms of addressing the needs of survivors and in working in our communities to prevent future violence. We urge you to create a new position at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Office of the Secretary, to serve as a Special Advisor on Sexual Violence, within the first 100 days of your administration. This position is critical to provide leadership and collaboration within HHS and across other agencies and the White House on the issue of sexual violence. The Special Advisor on Sexual Violence will ensure…
Dear Biden-Harris Administration Transition Team
December 17, 2020:
The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) is the voice in Washington, DC for the 56 state and territorial sexual assault coalitions and over 1500 local programs working to end sexual violence and support survivors. The local programs we serve see the widespread and devastating consequences of sexual violence for survivors every day. We, along with the 47 undersigned state and territorial sexual assault and dual coalitions, urge you to create a new position at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Office of the Secretary…
Letter to Congress on VOCA Deposits Crisis in Omnibus
December 4, 2020:
We, the undersigned organizations representing thousands of victim service providers, prosecutors, and state VOCA administration and compensation agencies, as well as millions of survivors of crime, urge you to include in the year-end Fiscal Year 2021 omnibus spending bill the updates to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) that are needed to stabilize the Crime Victims Fund (CVF or the Fund). This is the only way to prevent ongoing, catastrophic cuts to programs that provide services and direct funding to victims…
Centering the Needs of Survivors in the New Administration
November 10, 2020:
The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence is eager to engage with the Biden-Harris Administration to continue our collective work to meet the needs of sexual assault survivors and prevent sexual violence in our communities. We also believe it is important to take note of this historic moment of electing Senator Kamala Harris, the first woman and the first Black and South Asian American person, as Vice President…
Victims of Crime Act (“VOCA”) Release
October 19, 2020:
Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader McCarthy, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Nadler, Ranking Member Jordan, Chairman Graham, and Ranking Member Feinstein:
We, the undersigned organizations representing thousands of victim service providers, prosecutors, and state VOCA administration and compensation agencies, as well as millions of survivors of crime, call on Congress to take immediate action to prevent expected catastrophic cuts to Victims of Crime Act (“VOCA”) grants…
NAESV Raises Serious Concerns About the Confirmation of Supreme Court Nominee Amy Coney Barrett
October 2, 2020:
The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) is the voice in Washington for the 56 state and territorial sexual assault coalitions and 1500 local sexual assault programs working every day in their communities to support victims and to end sexual violence…
Administrative Priorities for Addressing the Needs of Sexual Assault Survivors September 2020
September 2020:
Top Priorities for the first 100 days: Expand the Rape Prevention & Education Program and support the leadership of state and territorial sexual assault coalitions…
We Condemn Racist Violence & Acknowledge the Profound Toll of Racism
June 1, 2020:
We denounce the killing of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and the countless acts of racist violence and hate perpetrated against black people in our country every day, including by the police…
Responding to COVID-19: Sexual Assault Programs & Survivor Needs
May 26, 2020:
Request: Provide $100 million in emergency Sexual Assault Services Funding (SASP) in the Office on Violence Against Women, Department of Justice…
Statement in Support of Survivors
May 1, 2020:
We support all survivors. As long-time advocates with a great deal of collective expertise, we actively support those impacted by sexual violence. We will continue to advocate passionately for the services and policies survivors need to heal and thrive…
NAESV Statement on At-Home Rape Kits
August 30, 2019:
The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence opposes the use of at-home rape kits and is greatly concerned about marketing them to the general public…
STATEMENT BY NATIONAL ALLIANCE TO END SEXUAL VIOLENCE POLICY DIRECTOR TERRI POORE ON THE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING ON TITLE IX BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
November 16, 2018
“Today, the Department of Education issued a new proposed rule rolling back Title IX protections for survivors of sexual violence in schools and on campus, severely narrowing the definition of sexual harassment…”
NFT Statement on the US Supreme Court Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh
October 4, 2018
A letter to U.S. Senators from the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence.
“The nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the US Supreme Court threatens women’s reproductive rights and access to healthcare for all Americans. The Supreme Court is the ultimate arbiter of our most cherished rights, and it is no place for someone so far outside of the mainstream who will roll back the clock on hard-won freedoms”
Statement Condemning Contemptible Behavior of National Leadership Toward Kavanaugh Accusers
October 3, 2018
“We are appalled and outraged that the Senate Judiciary Committee leadership has released a statement about comments of a sexual nature allegedly made by Julie Swetnick. Such a statement is unacceptable in all events, but particularly because it attempts to smear someone who has not had the opportunity to be interviewed by the FBI. The release of this statement violates the intent of the Rape Shield Rule drafted by the Senate Judiciary Committee in 1991 and voted into law by Congress in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994”.
NAESV Written Testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee Related to the Kavanaugh Nomination
September 26, 2018
“Our hope was that the treatment of sexual assault victims would have improved in the 27 years since Anita Hill gave testimony during Justice Thomas’s confirmation hearings. So far we have been disappointed.Proper and supportive treatment of sexual assault victims encourages increased reporting and can reduce trauma for victims. Rape is the most underreported crime in the United States. This is not the fault of rape victims. This is the fault of our society.”