2020 has challenged us as individuals, as communities, and as a democracy.
When the coronavirus hit New York City this spring, we isolated ourselves from loved ones and tried to manage our anxiety and grief. Over the summer, the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless other unarmed Black and Brown people demanded that we confront the devastating impact of systemic violence in our communities and institutions. Now this election is challenging us as a country and a democracy.
Regardless of the outcome, Sanctuary for Families will continue to uphold our mission of ensuring freedom from gender violence. Today and always, we stand for equity, safety, and justice for all.
Gender violence does not begin, nor will it end with this election. Gender violence is the product of a multitude of failures. It is a product of misogyny, racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination. And it is the product of underfunding education, healthcare, social services, and public assistance programs. These issues did not begin four years ago.
We have much work ahead of us. For over 35 years, Sanctuary has provided the tools and resources survivors need to build safe and healthy lives free from violence. We will continue to serve and advocate until we live in a world in which freedom from gender violence is a basic human right.
When the results are in and all the votes are counted, I hope you too will continue to stand up for our country, our democracy, and survivors of gender violence.
Warmly,
Hon. Judy Harris Kluger
Executive Director, Sanctuary for Families