How Prop 1 Protects New York’s Most Vulnerable: Domestic Violence Survivors

Prop 1 can protect New Yorkers from government discrimination and ensure reproductive healthcare remains accessible for survivors of domestic violence. In this blog post, Sanctuary’s CEO Judy Harris Kluger explains why voting “YES” on Prop 1 is essential for New York’s most vulnerable communities.

For nearly two years, a Texas man named Marcus Silva has been suing his ex-wife’s friends for helping her get an abortion. Earlier this month, Silva finally dropped his wrongful death and conspiracy claims. The friends responded by pointing out that he had known about the abortion before it happened but took no action. Instead, with a potential divorce looming, he threatened to use evidence of the abortion against his wife “if she refused to stay under his control.” The case is just one example of how reproductive rights can become entangled in the dynamics of coercion and control within intimate relationships.

Restrictions on reproductive healthcare are highly dangerous. Recently, such laws have been linked to the tragic deaths of two women in Georgia – Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller – as well as to the near-deaths of countless women around the country. Amber Nicole Thurman died from septic shock after being denied treatment for 20 hours following a rare pregnancy complication. Georgia’s restrictive laws also made Candi Miller too afraid to seek medical care after self-managing her medically necessary abortion. These devastating outcomes are not isolated incidents. Between 2006 and 2022, Pregnancy Justice documented nearly 1,400 cases of pregnancy-related criminalization across the U.S. The report found state actors —police, prosecutors, healthcare workers, family regulation workers, and judges — have deprived pregnant women of virtually every constitutional right in the name of protecting “unborn life.”

New York currently serves as a refuge for people from other states in desperate need of reproductive healthcare. But our status as a “haven state” is by no means guaranteed in the future. Political winds can– and do – change. New Yorkers – including domestic violence survivors – deserve to have these critical protections enshrined in the state’s constitution.

As we approach Election Day, I encourage all New Yorkers to familiarize themselves with Proposition 1, also known as Prop 1 or the New York State Equal Rights Amendment. Prop 1 will amend New York’s constitution to protect New Yorkers against government discrimination based on a person’s ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.

Importantly, Prop 1 will protect an individual’s autonomy to make choices about their own life, free from the threat of criminalization or penalties. For victims of domestic violence, Prop 1 protections would ensure reproductive healthcare remains accessible — including abortions, birth control, and Plan B — whether after sexual assault, during physical abuse in pregnancy, or when trying to escape an abusive relationship.

Access to reproductive healthcare empowers survivors of gender-based violence to make choices that prioritize their safety. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, one in six women in abusive relationships in the United States are first abused during pregnancy. In abusive relationships, pregnancy can be a death sentence – homicide is the leading cause of death for pregnant women in the United States. A forced pregnancy can tether a victim to their abuser, both financially and legally. At Sanctuary for Families, we see every day how sharing a child gives abusers countless ways to continue coercing and controlling survivors, even after the survivor has escaped the relationship. As Marcus Silva’s lawsuit in Texas demonstrates, the absence of legal protections allows abusers to weaponize the courts to threaten and control victims simply for accessing reproductive healthcare. For victims of domestic violence, the cruelty of abortion bans and restrictions on reproductive healthcare access is undeniable.

Prop 1 will protect New Yorkers and anyone subject to its laws from efforts to penalize and control people for their reproductive choices and pregnancy outcomes, including abortions and miscarriage. We cannot afford to take our rights for granted while so many of our fellow Americans are being stripped of theirs. Please be sure to flip your ballot and vote ‘Yes’ on Prop 1.

Judy Harris Kluger is a former New York State judge and the current CEO of Sanctuary for Families, New York’s leading advocate and service provider for survivors of gender violence.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Let’s Talk About Femicide

Learn about femicide, the deadly consequence of domestic violence, and how we can raise awareness and prevent it.

Each October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), we reflect on the countless lives impacted by intimate partner violence and reaffirm our commitment to ending this crisis. This year, Sanctuary for Families is turning our focus toward femicide — a critical but often overlooked consequence of domestic violence.

1. What is Femicide?
2. The Prevalence of Femicide in the U.S.
3. What Should People Know about Femicide?
4. How You Can Help

What is Femicide?

Femicide is the murder of women and girls because of their gender. It is the most extreme and tragic outcome of domestic abuse, rooted in misogyny and gender-based violence. Unlike other forms of homicide, femicide is not just about one person killing another—it is about power, control, and the systemic devaluation of women’s lives. In the context of domestic violence, femicide is often the culmination of years of abuse, manipulation, and coercive control.

The Prevalence of Femicide in the U.S.

Femicide is a global crisis, but it is very much a silent epidemic in the United States. According to Women Count USA, 1,104 American women and girls were lost to femicide in 2023. As of October 17 of this year, 607 women have allegedly been killed because of their gender. In many cases, the warning signs are clear: the victim has been stalked, threatened, or previously abused, yet interventions fail to prevent these lethal outcomes.

So far in 2024, more than 600 women and girls have allegedly been murdered in the United States because of their gender.

As with so many other forms of violence, women of color are disproportionately affected by femicide. Compared to white women, Black women are nearly three times as likely to be killed by an intimate partner. For Indigenous women and girls, the rate of homicide is 6.4 times higher than that of their white counterparts.

The widespread presence of guns in the United States significantly increases the lethality of domestic violence and contributes to the alarming rates of femicide. According to the GIFFORDS Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, women in the U.S. are 21 times more likely to be killed with a gun than women in other high-income countries, making firearms a central factor in many femicides. Furthermore, a study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that abusers with access to firearms are 5 times more likely to kill their partners. The prevalence of guns, combined with systemic failures to protect survivors, turns abusive relationships into deadly situations far too often.

Women are 5X more likely to be killed if their abuser has access to a gun. 

Despite the alarming rates, femicide remains underreported and underacknowledged across the United States. Many murders of women, particularly those from marginalized communities, are not properly investigated and perpetrators are not always held accountable.

What Should People Know About Femicide?

Understanding femicide requires acknowledging the systemic nature of gender-based violence. This is not an isolated issue—it is deeply embedded in our culture and the way we view violence against women.

To combat femicide, we must:

1. Recognize the signs of escalating violence.

Many femicides are preventable when we recognize the warning signs. Perpetrators often exhibit patterns of behavior—such as stalking, controlling actions, obsessive jealousy, isolation, and threats—that signal increasing danger. These behaviors should never be dismissed as mere “relationship problems” but seen as red flags that could lead to lethal violence.

Listening to survivors and taking their concerns seriously is critical. Too often, threats are minimized, leaving women unprotected. Intervention at the first sign of danger—whether by law enforcement, friends, or family—can make all the difference. Providing survivors with the resources and support they need, including access to services like those offered by Sanctuary for Families, empowers them to escape abusive situations before they escalate.

2. Demand accountability from law enforcement and the justice system.

Too often, restraining orders and protective measures fail to prevent femicides. Law enforcement must be trained to recognize and act swiftly in cases where women are at risk. All too often, warning signs like threats and stalking are ignored, leaving survivors vulnerable.

We need stronger accountability from law enforcement and the justice system. Officers and prosecutors must treat these cases with the urgency they deserve, ensuring protective orders are enforced and abusers face serious consequences. Additionally, better data collection on femicide cases will help hold these institutions accountable and prevent further tragedies.

3. Fight against the culture of silence.

A major barrier to addressing femicide is the stigma and silence around intimate partner violence. Many survivors hesitate to come forward due to fear or shame, and society’s avoidance of these issues allows the violence to persist. Breaking this silence is essential—whether by speaking up, supporting organizations like Sanctuary for Families, or advocating for stronger legal protections.

By raising awareness and challenging harmful cultural norms, we can shift the way society responds to intimate partner violence. When we speak out and stand with survivors, we take an active role in preventing future violence and holding abusers accountable.

How Can You Help Fight Femicide?

The fight against femicide requires all of us to act. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

Support legislation that protects survivors

Reproductive rights and gun control are critical to preventing femicide. Access to reproductive healthcare, including safe and legal abortion, is essential for survivors of intimate partner violence, who are often subjected to coercion and control over their reproductive choices. Restricting access to reproductive care leaves women more vulnerable to abuse and violence.

In addition, stronger gun control laws are essential to protecting survivors of domestic violence. Over half of all femicides perpetrated by abusive partners are committed with guns. Laws that limit access to firearms for abusers, such as universal background checks and prohibitions on gun ownership for those convicted of domestic violence, can save lives. Advocating for these reforms is key to reducing the threat of femicide and ensuring the safety and autonomy of survivors.

Donate to Sanctuary for Families

Our programs provide critical support to adult and child survivors of domestic violence. Your donation helps us provide emergency shelter, legal representation, counseling, and economic empowerment to families fleeing abuse.

MAKE A GIFT

Raise Awareness

Use your voice to educate others about femicide and domestic violence. Whether through social media, community events, or conversations with friends and family, every bit of awareness helps shift the culture and save lives.

We Must Act Now

As we honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must remember that awareness alone is not enough. Femicide is preventable, but it requires concerted action from all of us—from lawmakers to law enforcement, from communities to individuals. Together, we can work toward a world where women no longer live in fear and where their lives are fully valued.

Join us this October in raising awareness about femicide and standing in solidarity with survivors.

A Guide to Estate Planning: Expert Answers to Common Questions

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In our recent webinar with Marci Tempesta, Special Counsel at Milbank, LLP, we explored the key steps to take control of your future.

Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In our recent webinar with Marci Tempesta, Special Counsel at Milbank, LLP, we explored the key steps to take control of your future. From the basics of drafting a will to the benefits of charitable giving, Marci answered a range of important questions. Whether you’re just getting started or revisiting your plan, these expert insights will help you make informed decisions for yourself and your loved ones.

Please note: The following information is not estate planning or tax advice. Please seek professional support for advice on your unique situation. For more information on estate planning, please click here.

Q: What is estate planning?

A: Estate planning is the process of protecting your family by deciding who will inherit your assets and how you wish for them to be distributed, typically done through a will.

Q: What is a will?

A: A will is a legal document where you can outline your wishes about the distribution of your assets after you’re gone, as well as appoint people you trust to carry out your wishes. As your circumstance change, you can change your will whenever you need to.

Q: Why do I need a will?

A: Having a will can help avoid confusion and potential conflicts among your loved ones, giving you peace of mind knowing your wishes will be followed. Without one, state laws determine what happens to your assets, which may not align with your intentions.

Q: When should I update my will?

A: It’s a good idea to review your will every five years or so. But also, whenever there are big changes in your life, like getting married, divorced, having kids, or becoming a grandparent, it’s wise to ensure your will reflects your current situation and wishes.

Q: What about a living will and a health proxy?

A: A living will expresses your wishes for medical treatment in case you become incapacitated. Meanwhile, a health care proxy appoints someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to do so. Marci advises having both documents to ensure your preferences are respected during times of incapacity. You can find further guidance from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

Q: Are there other documents that are good to have?

A: Besides a will, there are two important documents worth considering. Firstly, a document that outlines your wishes for your physical body after death, as wills are often discovered too late, after you have already been buried or cremated. Secondly, you can consider assigning a general power of attorney to handle your financial decisions if you’re unable to do so.

Q: Are there taxes imposed on gift transfers?

A: Yes, both at death and during lifetime, there’s a federal estate and gift tax levied on transfers to others. Additionally, a generation-skipping transfer tax applies to transfers to individuals of a generation equivalent to grandchildren. These federal transfer taxes are set at a high rate of 40%.

Q: Are there exemptions to those taxes?

A: Yes, there are several exceptions to estate taxes. For instance, transfers to a US citizen spouse or to a qualifying trust for their benefit are exempt from estate tax due to the marital deduction. Transfers to charity are also exempt from estate tax. There’s also an annual exclusion allowing individuals to give a certain amount per person each year, currently set at $18,000 per person or $36,000 for married couples.

Q: What are the tax benefits of making a gift to a nonprofit like Sanctuary?

A: Making lifetime gifts to charities can have significant tax advantages. You can receive income tax deductions for charitable contributions made from your after-tax income. Additionally, donating marketable securities, like stocks, provides a deduction for the fair market value of the shares, while helping you reduce capital gains taxes. Nonprofits like Sanctuary benefit from these gifts and enjoy favorable deductibility rules. It’s always advisable to connect with your tax advisor to understand your specific situation.

Q: What is a donor-advised fund and why would I use one?

A: A donor-advised fund is a useful option for many reasons. For example, if you’re dealing with significant tax events and want to give to charity without deciding on the recipients right away, a donor-advised fund may be a useful tool. You will receive an immediate tax benefit while having time to distribute funds to charities over time. Contributions to these funds are also exempt from gift and estate tax, providing more financial benefits.

Q: Can I use my IRA to make a gift?

A: Yes, you can use distributions from your IRA to make charitable gifts. Funds withdrawn from your IRA are subject to income tax, just like any other income source. You can then donate the net amount to charity, similar to income earned from salary or stock sales.

Q: What if I don’t want to take my IRA distribution? Can I divert some of it to charity directly?

A: Absolutely, if you’re 70 ½ or older, you can redirect up to $100,000 of your IRA to charity annually. This amount is excluded from your gross income, providing a tax-efficient giving option. Additionally, if you’re at least 73, your qualified charitable distribution can satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD), potentially allowing you to donate your entire RMD to charity if it’s less than $100,000 per year.

Q: What is a pour-over will and a revocable trust, and do I need them?

A pour-over will transfers assets not in a living trust to the trust upon the creator’s death to ensure they’re distributed according to the trust’s terms. However, assets moved by a pour-over will still go through probate.

A revocable trust lets you bypass probate by transferring assets during your lifetime, ensuring seamless management and privacy in case of incapacity or death. It also encourages asset organization, easing the process for your heirs later on, and ensures your assets go where you want them, protecting against outside influence. Trusts also provide benefits like creditor protection, making them valuable options for many people.


P.S. Have you already created a gift in your estate plans to Sanctuary for Families? Please let us know so we can thank you and add you to our list of our growing community of Legacy Society members. Contact us at donations@sffny.org.

President Biden Recognizes Sanctuary for its “Heroic” Work at 30th Anniversary of VAWA

On September 12th, Sanctuary for Families stood among the national leaders selected to stand behind President Biden on the White House steps as he commemorated the landmark 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

On September 12th, Sanctuary for Families stood among the national leaders selected to stand behind President Biden on the White House steps as he commemorated the landmark 30th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

VAWA Anniversary Celebration at the White House

President Biden personally thanked Sanctuary and all the leaders present, recognizing their collective heroic efforts to empower “those suffering in silence.”

“You’ve changed the nation. You’ve turned your pain into purpose. And your bravery and your spirit are unbreakable. And because of you — and this is not hyperbole — because of you, we’re a better nation than we were 30 years ago.”

– President Joe Biden

Simone Monasebian, Sanctuary’s Chief Program Officer, was also among the few leaders invited for a private meeting with the President in the White House’s East Room before his speech. President Biden expressed his deep gratitude to all the organizations for their work, reflected on the VAWA’s passage as his greatest legacy, and called on them to continue advancing this important mission. The event culminated with a reception on the White House Lawn.

Sanctuary CPO Simone Monasebian and fellow advocates joined President Biden in the White House’s East Room.

This commemoration was part of a historic two-day conference organized by the Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), one of Sanctuary’s dedicated funders. The conference provided a platform to reflect on the milestones achieved by Sanctuary and other leaders in the fight against gender-based violence while reaffirming the ongoing need to enhance coordinated responses to domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, dating violence, and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV). Sanctuary’s Lindsey Song, Associate Program Director of our Family Law Project, and Lesley Johannsen, Senior Staff Attorney of Sanctuary’s Pro Bono Project, were also active participants in this impactful conference.

Sanctuary’s Lindsey Song with President Joe Biden.

“The Violence Against Women Act is my proudest legislative accomplishment in all the years I’ve served as senator, vice president, and president.  I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”

– President Joe Biden

Sanctuary CEO Judy Harris Kluger congratulates the DOJ Office of Violence Against Women for convening such a powerful commemoration and expresses deep appreciation for its continued, vital support, which has empowered Sanctuary to provide critical services to survivors throughout New York City.