To kickoff Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), NJCASAs Executive Director Patricia Teffenhart was featured onComcast Newsmakers to discuss sexual assault in New Jersey and NJCASAs 6th Annual SAAM 5K.
Patricia discussed how sexual assault is the most under-reported crime, and how the32% increasein reporting for New Jersey is a victory for advocates and supporters of the anti-sexual violence movement.
When we see a report that says theres a 32% increase in the number of reported sexual assaults, in a weird way that makes us feel victorious that the number of survivors that are now feeling as if the system will be responsive to them if they disclose, and every disclosure gives us another chance to help a survivor get justice, and to hold another offender accountable.
Additionally, she discussed theSexual Assault Survivor Protection Act of 2015and its importance to survivors across the state of New Jersey as well as the upcomingstatewide task forcethat will address sexual violence prevention on college campuses.
Patricia closed by talking about NJCASAs6th Annual SAAM 5K, which will be held in Asbury Park, NJ.
