New York’s got something for every taste and interest. No matter what your sports or cultural bent… it’s here. There’s the NY Football Giants, the Rangers, the Knicks, the Yankees, the Mets, the Nets…. Heck, we even have the biggest tennis venue in the world, the US Open! You can travel around the globe through … Continue reading New York State- Something for Everyone!
Today, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and Senator Cordell Cleare announced the intro of Bills #S8722 and #S8723 in the NY State Senate. They are intended to prosecute against sex trafficking children and mentally disabled victims. They eliminate the statute of limitations on this B-Felony crime, extend the statute of limitations for civil cases, and add … Continue reading Brand New NY Sex Trafficking Bill- Solution or Empty Refrigerator?
Yesterday, through the efforts of Wagner College Professor Patricia Moynagh, I had the honor of speaking to a group of intelligent, enthusiastic, Wagner students and faculty. Aided by my Swiss cheese umbrella, I explained the failure of a justice system fraught with legal loopholes, and why society needs our legislators to #CodifyConsent. Their questions ran … Continue reading Fighting for New Laws & Helping Victims – Dream or Reality?
A passage from the public online journal of Mischele Lewis, a rape by fraud victim from New Jersey “Rape by deception is a fairly new concept. I know it’s setting a legal precedent out there but being the victim of such a crime, I’m certainly feeling passionate about it. No, I’m not saying that every … Continue reading NEW JERSEY- NEW SEXUAL ASSAULT LAW COMING?
(Scroll down for comprehensive state-by-state chart ranked from best to worst) Arkansas is ranked the 2nd worst state in the US, per capita, for incidents of rape. CAN is fighting to change their statistic by battling deeply embedded “dark ages” concepts. Two bills, one defining consent and the other abolishing the Statute of Limitations for … Continue reading 2nd Worst Rape State in the Nation debates #EndSOL and #CodifyCONSENT
Just as Roosevelt Islanders felt comfortably secure in Manhattan, the State of NY has thrown us a curveball! The redistricting map which was approved for the recent Assembly election was vetoed by NY State’s appellate court. While, for now, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright remains our representative, if the new map prevails, we will have a … Continue reading Redistricting is back with a vengeance!
Calling your legislators to demand change will make all the difference in the world! The first Tuesday of every April is the DAY of ACTION for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Exactly one year ago, the very first bill to define CONSENT was publicly introduced at a news conference in New York City. Since then, CAN … Continue reading You – Yes YOU – Can be the cure for Sexual Assault!
NY Times, 10/10 Article by Graham Bowley on “Consent.” Sadly, The NY Times misquoted me and grossly distorted CAN’s mission in the article that appeared in the Sunday, October 10, 2021 Arts section. “Yes” is an affirmative reply. There is nothing unambiguous about saying “yes.” It never means “maybe,” and it never means “no.” Unless … Continue reading The NY TIMES Got “CONSENT” ALL WRONG!
There was a time, all too recently, when politicians got to hide their immorality behind a cloak of positive gains for their constituents. New York State’s Governor Andrew Cuomo’s downfall exemplifies the sea change society is experiencing, where rising to public office demands walking the walk as well as talking the talk. American history is … Continue reading Talking the Talk Is Not Enough!
Use this QR today to support legislative bills #A6540A and #S6200A or use the links below to email your own version of your letter, straight from your heart! Sign the change.org petition to support these bills. Both #A6540A and #S6200A clearly state the definition for CONSENT in penal code. Presently, not a single state across … Continue reading Your Voice Can Prevent Sexual Assault, TODAY!
SUPPORT #A6540 to Define CONSENT in our laws! Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright recently introduced Assembly Bill #A6540, Defining Consent, in New York’s general laws. This definition should echo throughout the halls of justice in every state and territory across the US and around the world! It will set the record straight on consent in all … Continue reading What’s the very best action for #SAAM’s day of action?
Our laws need to be crystal clear! Consent is Freely Given, Knowledgeable and Informed Agreement!
On October 6th, the Legislative Interim Study Committee on Consent in Indiana, comprised of 14 Indiana legislators, and led by Representative Wendy McNamara, proved that legislators give lip-service to the problem of sexual assault, but fail to produce meaningful solutions. In spite of protests by three legislators from both sides of the aisle, McNamara insisted … Continue reading Do legislators Enable rape?
Consent is truly only “consent” if “no” is a valid answer!
At last! Rapist Harvey Weinstein has been handcuffed and remanded into custody. He will no longer hobble down the steps of 100 Centre Street, pandering for sympathy, as he departs the courtroom. He’s in custody awaiting sentencing on March 11th. Although his attorneys are likely to attempt to secure his release pending appeal, they are … Continue reading Convicted Rapist – Harvey Weinstein!
Just before 1 PM today, Prosecutor Joan Illuzzi had the last word on locking up accused rapist and sexual predator, Harvey Weinstein. Her three hour summation was an effort to focus the jury on the important facts. She painted a picture of Weinstein as a sexual predator, not a victim of the #MeToo movement, as … Continue reading God and the Jury Take Over the Weinstein Case
January 6, 2020- In open court, Harvey Weinstein trudged along slowly aided by strong arms at each side while he leaned on his brushed aluminum walker. His bearing seemed pathetically staged to curry sympathy from Judge James B. Burke, and on-lookers. His countenance, weary and beaten, bore no resemblance to someone who, just months ago, … Continue reading Weinstein and the “Silence Breakers” – Remarkable Contrast in Character
Most readers have heard me speak about the “Swiss cheese umbrella” of sex crime laws. Today, NY Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his intent to plug up the legal loophole in “voluntary vs. involuntary” drinking or drugs in sex crimes. He did so at the urging of Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance Jr. who not only … Continue reading Tiny steps don’t fix huge gaps in NY’s sex crime laws!
While extending limitations helps rape survivors after the fact, defining consent prevents the crime from taking place!
YOU can help conquer Sexual Assault! The Consent Awareness Network needs your support! Become a CONSENT Crusader! Conduct outreach to legislators in your location to define #CONSENT in your penal code. Spread the word on #CONSENT through social media. Provide a meaningful voice on the issues of sexual assault, violence, and harassment. Work with our … Continue reading Become a Consent Crusader!