Governor Kathy Hochul has declared April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in New York, launching initiatives to support survivors and educate the public. The proclamation is accompanied by the New York State Denim Day Exhibit and the “Dating in the Digital” social media campaign, aiming to promote safe online dating and awareness about digital exploitation.
The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) is at the forefront, introducing “Sexual Violence 101” weekly trainings. These efforts focus on understanding sexual violence, consent, and the risks associated with online dating and technology, such as sextortion and deepfakes.
State officials, including the Health Commissioner and the Office of Victim Services, emphasize the importance of a collective effort to address sexual assault. They highlight the need for survivor-centered responses and the role of technology in changing the landscape of dating and consent. New York’s hotline offers 24/7 support for survivors, showcasing the state’s commitment to combating sexual and gender-based violence.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].
Read the full article here
