Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation on Apr. 1 declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in New York, reaffirming the state’s commitment to supporting victims and survivors and preventing sexual violence. State landmarks will be illuminated in teal on April 1 to recognize the month and again on April 29 for Denim Day.
Hochul said, “Sexual violence remains a deeply serious issue impacting individuals and families across our state. As we recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and will continue to take meaningful action to strengthen our support systems and expand resources.” She added that New York is committed to building safer communities where every resident is protected.
The governor’s administration has proposed several measures aimed at strengthening protections for survivors. The Fiscal Year 2027 Executive Budget proposal includes legislation extending evidence kit retention periods for child survivors of sexual assault, giving certain minors more authority over their kits, and ensuring evidence is not destroyed without survivor consent. Additional proposals focus on online safety by establishing privacy-by-default protections for minors, disabling certain artificial intelligence chatbot features on popular platforms, and requiring labeling of AI-generated content.
As part of ongoing prevention efforts, the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) launched the “Power Down Speak Up” campaign aimed at helping youth recognize online exploitation such as grooming or sextortion. OPDV Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens said, “Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an opportunity to uplift survivors, challenge harmful myths and strengthen prevention efforts across our communities.”
State agencies are also highlighting available resources during this month. The Office of Victim Services funds more than 200 victim assistance programs providing free services including counseling and legal help; it also reimburses medical providers directly for forensic rape exams when insurance is unavailable or unused. OVS Director Bea Hanson said that removing barriers helps ensure “survivors know help is available when they need it.” Other officials echoed support for increased awareness campaigns, improved prevention initiatives targeting teens online, expanded access to trained forensic examiners in hospitals, and broader community partnerships.
Denim Day events will include exhibits at Empire State Plaza Concourse in Albany from April 27-29 and a mobile exhibit at Binghamton University on April 29. The Denim Day movement began after an Italian court ruling sparked international solidarity with victims by encouraging people to wear jeans as a symbol against harmful myths about consent.
