REMARKS
Council Member Farah N. Louis introduces legislation for domestic violence awareness month
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Council Member Farah N. Louis introduces three pieces of legislation aimed at addressing gaps in support for survivors of gender-based violence and protecting women's well-being in New York City. The legislation focuses on female genital mutilation awareness, timely retrieval of rape kits, and creating opportunities in natural hair care and braiding.
- Intro 1079 mandates culturally competent training on recognizing signs of female genital mutilation across multiple city departments.
- Intro 1080 requires the NYPD to retrieve stored sexual offense evidence collection kits within 7 days of survivor consent.
- Reso 599 calls for state legislation to create an apprenticeship program for natural hair care and braiding, benefiting black and brown women.
Farah N. Louis
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Thank you, madam, majority leader.
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As we observe, domestic violence awareness month.
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It is critical that we acknowledge the deeply pervasive impact of gender based violence and trauma in our city.
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I am proud to introduce three pieces of legislation and shows 1079, 1080, and Russel 599 aimed at addressing critical gaps and support for survivors and protecting the well-being of women across New York City.
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Intro 1079 would mandate culturally competent training across the Department of Education, Department of Health the mental hygiene and the NYPD on recognizing the signs of female genitalia, mutilation, and cutting.
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This is a brutal and inhumane practice that continues to harm women and grows globally.
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Intro 1080 would require the NYPD to retrieve stored sexual offense evidence collection kits, also known as rape kits, within a timely manner, no mad no more than 7 days after a survivor consents to release.
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There are far too many instances where kit, language, and storage, depriving survivors of their justice they deserve.
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This would ensure that the timely re retrieval of the critical evidence is readily available.
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Lastly, Reso 599 calls upon the state legislator to pass and the state legislature to pass legislation regarding the practice of natural hair care and braiding, creating an apprenticeship program to protect and advance protections and opportunities for black and brown women statewide and within our city.
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We cannot allow bureaucratic delays, lack of access, and awareness or training to affect our communities.
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I encourage my colleagues to sign on to these bills to advance equity in our city.
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Thank you.