On September 28, 2024, at The Palace in Manhattan, I was raped in the presence of my friends. I was severely intoxicated, far more so than the person involved, and I did not consent to any sexual activity. I was not in a condition where I could meaningfully consent. However, when I bravely reported my assault and sought justice, I found myself being charged with harassment and served with a restraining order for speaking out against my abuser. This injustice has left me reeling, feeling victimized not only by the individual who assaulted me but also by the very system that was supposed to protect me.

Unfortunately, my story is not unique. In New York City, and in American as a whole countless sexual assault survivors face the horrifying prospect of legal retaliation when they speak out, often as a result of flawed policies and mishandling by law enforcement agencies like the Midtown North Police Department. Rather than being supported, survivors are re-traumatized through threats and charges that discourage victims from voicing their experiences and seeking justice.

Sexual assault is a grave crime, and survivors should have the full support of the legal system when they choose to come forward. It is imperative that steps are taken to ensure that survivors are not silenced by fear of retribution. The system must be reformed to guarantee that any claims of harassment or orders related to survivors are scrutinized with the utmost care, ensuring they are not used as tools of abuse against those already suffering.

This petition calls for several immediate actions:

1. A thorough investigation into the Midtown North Police Department’s practices and policies regarding sexual assault cases to hold them accountable for missteps and misconduct.
2. Implementation of mandatory training for law enforcement on handling sexual assault cases sensitively and appropriately, focusing on victim support.
3. Legislative measures to protect survivors from facing harassment charges and restraining orders unjustly, ensuring that their rights to speak out and defend themselves are protected by law.

We cannot allow this miscarriage of justice to continue. Survivors should feel safe to share their experiences without fear of legal repercussions. By signing this petition, you are supporting a fairer system—one where survivors are empowered and their voices are amplified, not stifled.

Please join us in making this change. Sign this petition to protect the rights and dignity of sexual assault survivors today.