Dear Governor Kathy Hochul,

We, the undersigned, urgently petition you to take immediate action to extend and strengthen the Adult Survivors Act, a crucial piece of legislation that you signed into law last year. As the current provisions of the law are set to expire this month, we believe it is imperative to secure its continued impact in providing justice for survivors of sexual abuse.

The Adult Survivors Act, under your previous endorsement, has played a significant role in empowering survivors to seek legal recourse against their abusers and the institutions responsible for their suffering. Notably, women like Cassie Ventura have utilized this law to ensure accountability and justice.

However, the urgency of this matter necessitates an extension and enhancement of the legislation to ensure continued support for survivors who may have delayed coming forward.

We bring to your attention recent high-profile sexual assault lawsuits filed ahead of a key deadline, underscoring the urgency and relevance of the Adult Survivors Act (source: Hollywood Reporter Article).

We respectfully request your swift consideration of the following measures to extend and strengthen the Adult Survivors Act:

Immediate Extension: Take prompt action to extend the current provisions of the Adult Survivors Act, preventing any disruption in its availability for survivors seeking justice.

Comprehensive Review: Conduct a thorough review of the law's impact and identify areas for improvement to better address the needs of survivors.

Public Awareness Campaign: Launch an extensive public awareness campaign to inform survivors of their rights under the Adult Survivors Act, emphasizing the extension and any enhancements made.

Legal Support Services: Ensure the availability of accessible legal support services for survivors, aiding them in navigating the legal process, filing claims, and obtaining necessary evidence.

Institutional Accountability Enhancement: Strengthen provisions holding institutions accountable for enabling or covering up instances of abuse, fostering a culture of transparency and responsibility.

Time is of the essence, and we trust that your leadership will once again be instrumental in securing justice for survivors of sexual abuse. We appreciate your attention to this critical matter and thank you for your ongoing commitment to the well-being of all New Yorkers.

Sincerely,
The Women of New York