Reunion Online

I am deeply privileged to be a part of the movement to end violence against women and children; to follow in the light of the fierce women who started this movement before I was even born, particularly women of color; to stand with every survivor; and to stand beside the extraordinary women and men who dedicate themselves to working in service of supporting survivors. People like you. You are my teachers and my heroes, and I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude in this moment.

Cases like this—and all that they represent—hit home for me in many ways. They touch me deeply as someone who has been immersed in these issues all of my life, as a survivor working to heal every day from the trauma of sexual violence, and as an advocate for my entire career.

Over the past several days, we have heard and read many hurtful, disrespectful statements about sexual assault. People all over the country are speaking out and standing up to say ENOUGH to the beliefs and attitudes that misplace blame on survivors, excuse perpetrators, and allow institutions to look the other way.

Mariska and Maile here. We have some big news—and are asking for your help.

In light of the recent media attention and public outrage surrounding the Stanford University sexual assault case, our issues—and society’s response to survivors—are at the forefront of the national dialogue.

Maile Zambuto, Joyful Heart CEO, responds to Stanford.

It's the Chairman's Challenge! Give and your donation will be matched—dollar for dollar—for a full year!

As we and our community mobilizes with the renewed commitment to change these statistics—and create a world free of this violence—I wanted to share with you some of the exciting, hopeful, important work that’s happening at Joyful Heart this month.

Last night, rape kit reform passed in Georgia. But our advocacy to bring meaningful rape kit reform around the country still carries on.