Sanctuary For Families

The NYPD showed up to a Harlem nursing student’s apartment less than an hour before she was stabbed to death by her abusive ex-boyfriend — but simply took a report and left. SFF Legal Director Dorchen Leidholdt is quoted.

SFF Executive Director Judy Kluger talks about the challenges of operating in a lockdown, when, again, many women experiencing domestic violence were isolated with their abusers, unable to report what was happening.

Manhattan's district attorney announced last Wednesday that his office will no longer prosecute prostitution and unlicensed massage under a new policy that's believed to be the first of its kind in New York. SFF Executive Director Judy Kluger is quoted.

People working in massage parlors have been experiencing danger in their profession long before the recent uptick in hate incidents. SFF Amy Hsieh is quoted.

Some of the most vulnerable members of these communities are working-class and single mothers who face limited job prospects and meager safety nets. SFF Anti-Trafficking Expert Amy Hsieh is quoted.

The aid and housing assistance to victims who have been trapped during the pandemic with their abusers further signal that the president’s agenda will aim to combat domestic violence. Sanctuary EEP Graduate Davida is featured.

"If a perpetrator has acknowledged the harm he caused and put in the hard work to root out his abusive behavior, perhaps we can be open," writes Tanya Selvaratnam. SFF Attorney Jennifer Friedman is quoted.

One bill hopes to repeal the crime of selling sex and expand social services; the other would legalize the entire sex trade. Sanctuary Attorney Alexi Meyers is quoted.

SFF Immigration Intervention Project Director Pooja Asnani explains how the previous administration made it harder for undocumented domestic violence survivors to ensure safety in the US.