Sexual abuse survivors, along with supporters and City Council members, demonstrated outside City Hall recently, pushing for rapid passage of Intro. 1297, a measure created to bolster protections for survivors of gender-motivated abuse.
Survivors Demand Accountability After Dropped Cases
The legislation was introduced after a court decision threw out hundreds of lawsuits, including those filed by abuse survivors from city juvenile detention facilities. It also affects victims of Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking ring and patients harmed by doctors in renowned medical institutions.
“We are taking back our power. Survivors will not give up the fight,” said Mary Soto, whose own case from her time in juvenile detention was dismissed.
Voices of the Survivors
A number of survivors gave emotional statements about enduring years of trauma and overcoming the challenge of speaking out.
Kendu Starmell, who journeyed from South Carolina, pointed to the importance of due process, saying, “Please, let us argue our cases in court. Due process is all we request.”
Another survivor, Rashawn Jones, described abuse at Horizon Juvenile Center when he was 16, mentioning that his claim was dismissed as well.
“Now that our voices are being heard, the system is telling us it doesn’t matter. What kind of justice is that?” Jones questioned.
What Intro. 1297 Proposes
A main focus of the bill is to determine if organizations, and not just individuals, can be held legally liable. The statute aims to make the law clearer and reopen a year-long window allowing survivors to pursue civil cases, similar to the provisions of the Adult Survivors Act in New York state.
“Survivors trusted our courts, but are now told they can’t pursue claims against responsible institutions. That’s something we must not tolerate,” said Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, who is leading the legislative effort.
Increased Calls for Council Action
Intro. 1297 counts 34 sponsors from the Council, though Speaker Adrienne Adams has yet to set a hearing or bring it to a vote. Her representative explained that the bill, introduced this May, is under review in the Council’s legislative process.
Women and Gender Equity Committee chair Farah Lewis called for urgent proceedings: “This bill needs a hearing and a vote right away. Our commitment to survivors cannot waver.”
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams added, “Accountability must be ensured. We shouldn’t be stalled by complications or expenses. Our focus has to be on delivering justice.”
Leave a Reply