National Alliance to End Sexual Violence

The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) utilizes a comprehensive grassroots communication network to shape national policy related to sexual violence and victims needs, ensure funding for rape crisis programs and sexual assault coalitions, and provide expertise to governments, businesses and non-profit organizations addressing sexual violence in all of its forms. NAESV advocates on behalf of the victim/survivorswomen, children and menwho have needlessly suffered the serious trauma of sexual violence and envisions a world free from sexual violence.

What's New

New FY 2010 Appropriations Briefing Book Available

FY 2010 Appropriations Update!
The new two-page funding chart for the Fiscal Year 2010 sexual and domestic violence programs is now available here.

The Campaign for Full Funding to End Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault released the FY 2010 Appropriations Briefing Book which highlights spending for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). The briefing book can be viewed here.

House Approves April 2009 as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

On April 30 H.Con.Res. 104, a resolution recognizing April 2009 at “National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month,” was passed by both the House and the Senate. The resolution was authored by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and co-sponsored by Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX). “Congressional resolutions such as this have an impact. By passing this resolution today, we honor the efforts of individuals and agencies that provide valuable rape crisis intervention and prevention services,” Baldwin stated. “We also call attention to sexual violence as a major public health issue and raise awareness of the need for increased resources for preventing sexual violence.” To read Rep. Baldwin’s press release on the passage of this resolution, click here. To view H.Con.Res. 104, click here.

NCVC and NAESV Applaud White House Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation

On April 9, the National Center for Victims of Crime and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence issued a press release applauding President Barack Obama for Wednesday�s proclamation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As the first President to issue a Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation, President Obama has focused a national spotlight on a crime affecting more than 270,000 Americans a year. The proclamation affirms decades-long efforts to raise awareness about this pervasive and dangerous crime. The official press release can be viewed here.

President Obama Recognizes Sexual Assault Awarness Month
On April 8, the President released a proclamation in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month! NAESV, along with PCAR and the National Center for Victims of Crime, worked extremely hard over the past several months with the White House as well as the Vice President�s Office to make this happen. It is important to note that the Office of Violence Against Women was extremely supportive of this endeavor as well. Congressional resolutions will also be introduced later this month in the Senate and House. To view the President's statement, click here.

Election Involvement Tips and How-Tos
Have you decided to be engaged in the 2008 election? Be sure to read NAESVs tips and suggestions for 501(c)(3)s.

Protect Our Children Act and Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program
On Saturday, September 27 the House passed two important bills to help victims of sexual assault. The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence applauds the efforts of Congress and sponsors Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) to prevent and prosecute the sexual exploitation of children via the internet with the passage of "The Protect Our Children Act" and urges the President to quickly sign the Act into law. The bill includes provisions to: Establish a Special Counsel for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction within the Office of the Deputy Attorney General; Improve the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; Increase resources for regional computer forensic labs; and make improvements to increase the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute child predators. As federal and state task forces work to implement these important changes, NAESV urges them to consult with state sexual assault coalitions and rape crisis centers and prioritize adequate funding for rape crisis services in order to ensure the service needs of victims of internet exploitation are met.

In addition, the House passed HR 5057, the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program reauthorization bill which was passed in the Senate last Thursday. NAESV applauds the work of Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) who worked so hard for this bill's passage. The Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2008 provides: $151 million per year for the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program to eliminate the current backlog of unanalyzed DNA samples in the nation's crime labs; $12.5 million per year to train nurses, police, and paramedics on collection and preservation of DNA evidence in sexual assault cases; and $30 million per year for the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Grants to ensure that there are trained and equipped personnel to assist with the treatment and examination of sexual assault victims (SANEs and SAFEs).

Help Bring National Awareness to the Issue of Sexual Assault

NAESV provides a critical voice for sexual assault advocates in Washington, D.C. In 2008, NAESV has been a key player in securing federal funding for the Sexual Assault Services Program which provides valuable funding to the rape crisis centers as well as state and territorial sexual assault coalitions which assist victims. NAESV staff have also successfully fought off attempts to raid another important funding source for victim services - the Victims of Crime Act - and worked to make sure that provisions in the Violence Against Women Act of 2005 address the needs of sexual assault survivors.

This success is owed entirely to the generosity of those who have made donations to NAESV. Please Act Now and fill out this donation form to support the needs of sexual assault advocates across the country.