NOW-NYC and The Service Fund's Take Rape Seriously Campaign
NOW-NYC supporters at the sentencing of former NYPD officer Kenneth Moreno.
The National Organization for Women- New York City (NOW-NYC) launched its campaign to Take Rape Seriously in 2010 in response to an egregious rape case where the predator almost walked with no jail time. In May 2010, ex-NYPD Officers Moreno and Mata - who were found guilty of official misconduct, but acquitted of rape – forced NYC women to wonder whether a police officer called in a moment of need would be a protector or a predator. Later, the case sexual assault case against one of the world's most powerful men fell apart, further pushing sex crime victims in the dark. This August, former sportscaster Marvell Scott was offered a plea deal in a sickening child prostitution case in which he would be punished with a mere 20 days of community service. These cases have outraged us, and cases like these occur all too often. We are demanding that New York City start taking rape seriously.
From courtrooms to hospital exam rooms, from police precincts to college campuses, we recognize that stereotypes about rape fuel the sexual assault epidemic and impact a survivor's ability to get justice. We are working with the NYC community to change the paradigm on rape culture and put an end to rape myths and biases. Our campaign to Take Rape Seriously will continue to address how the criminal justice system and our community view violence against women. The under-prosecution of rape cases, especially acquaintance rapes, remains a serious issue. We are currently expanding our campaign to improve the monitoring of sexual assault cases, educate and empower the public to end rape and violence against women, pressure law enforcement to strengthen their response to sex crimes, and find policy solutions that will ensure lasting change. Learn more about our campaign and how you can get involved by emailing [email protected]. Your support and help will make a difference.
Campaign Update
Cop and Sex Offender - Michael Pena - Gets the Max
An ex-NYPD cop—convicted of sexually assaulting a woman at gunpoint—was sentenced to 75 years to life on multiple counts of committing Predatory Sexual Assault and Criminal Sex Acts. NOW-NYC members attended the sentencing in support of the victim in this case, who courageously came forward. Learn More | NOW-NYC Press Release
Rape and Sexual Assault In the News:
- 6/25/12 - Erasing Cruise Ship Crime
- 6/21/12 - Ex-Officer Admits to Rape
- 5/7/12 - Ex-NYPD Cop Gets Max Sentence for Sexual Assault of Schoolteacher
- 3/9/12 - Sexual Violence and the Military
- 3/6/12 - 8 Women Open Rape, Harassment Lawsuit Against US Military
- 3/1/12 - Student-Run Database Changing the Way Universities Respond to Rape
- 2/21/12 - Bronx DA Lets Rapists Free
- 1/27/12 - The Invisible War of Military Women
- 1/18/12 - Pentagon Targets Military Sex Assaults
- 1/13/12 - FBI Updates Rape Definition, Reflects Change in Public Attitudes
- 1/17/12 - Stop Telling Women How to Not Get Raped