Alliance: History
As the incidence of sexual assault and abuse in women was recognized by the consciousness raising movement of the 1970’s, women in New York City developed ways to address the problem. As a result, hospital based rape crisis programs, child advocacy centers, specialized law enforcement and criminal justice units, a citywide hotline and other services have been established to meet the needs of survivors, to improve access to the criminal justice system and to provide education to the community.
New accomplishments bring new challenges. The expansion of sexual assault/abuse service providers has produced the need for coordination and a citywide voice. Increased service provision has led to the identification of system-wide problems that need to be addressed on a citywide level. Resources have been changing rapidly and with them, the need for a clearinghouse of information. Furthermore, ongoing innovation in the treatment of trauma and education requires the ability to keep current with new developments.