In the heart of New York State, a harrowing series of events has unfolded, leaving many young lives irrevocably scarred. Among these is the distressing saga of the Cornell 7—individuals who came forward to share their stories of sexual assault, only to face further trauma at the hands of systemic incompetence. Their stories echo the experiences of countless others across New York, from universities like Syracuse and NYU, who have also suffered due to mishandling of their cases by both educational institutions and law enforcement.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a significant number of sexual assault cases on college campuses are never reported, and those that are often experience a fractured path to justice. In New York State, this troubling trend is exacerbated by the frequent mismanagement of evidence and inconsistent application of protocols. This leaves survivors without the justice they desperately seek, fuelling a cycle of frustration and despair.

We demand a comprehensive statewide audit of sexual assault cases and evidence handling procedures in New York. This audit should scrutinize the process followed by both college authorities and law enforcement agencies, ensuring they adhere to protocols that prioritize victims' needs and rights.

Here are actionable steps to address this crisis:

1. **Independent Review:** Establish an independent body to conduct thorough audits of past and present sexual assault cases. This must include an assessment of the evidence handling processes to identify weaknesses and areas for improvement.

2. **Standardized Protocols:** Develop and enforce standardized protocols across all educational institutions and police departments concerning the filing, investigation, and handling of sexual assault cases. Uniformity will prevent discrepancies and ensure fairness.

3. **Victim Support Programs:** Enhance support systems for survivors, providing necessary services such as counseling, legal guidance, and medical assistance. These programs should be readily available and accessible.

4. **Training for Officials:** Implement mandatory training programs for college administrators and law enforcement personnel on how to handle sexual assault cases with sensitivity and professionalism. This should include education on trauma-informed care and victim support.

5. **Transparency and Accountability:** Ensure that results of the audits are made public to maintain transparency. Institutions that fail to comply with standardized protocols should be held accountable through legislative measures and penalties.

By taking these decisive actions, we can foster an environment of trust, safety, and justice for all survivors of sexual assault in New York State. Together, we can break the chains of silence and negligence that have bound victims for too long.

Join us in demanding accountability and reform. Sign this petition to support a safer New York for everyone.