Thanks to you and the other members of our community, today—Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action—marks an important and revolutionary moment for the Joyful Heart Foundation. And because of your generosity and commitment, we've been able to help transform lives and create change in how communities and the criminal justice system respond to sexual violence.

Over two years ago, all of us at Joyful Heart decided to make passing "all crimes DNA" legislation in New York State one of our top priorities. We made this commitment because, among other things, we knew that increasing the chances that survivors would receive justice can reduce suffering and bring healing to those who have been victimized. DNA is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent and solve crimes, bring justice to survivors and prevent wrongful convictions. And yet until just weeks ago, New York State only required half of convicted offenders to provide a DNA sample to be matched against the 40,000 unsolved crimes, including thousands of sexual assaults and murders.

View Joyful Heart's public service announcement on all crimes DNA by our Founder & President, Mariska Hargitay.

As part of our efforts, Joyful Heart worked with a state-wide coalition of survivors and victim advocates to press New York legislators to pass comprehensive DNA legislation. Last month, Joyful Heart stood with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo as he signed a historic bill into law to expand New York's DNA Databank. The law makes New York the first state in the nation to require DNA samples from everyone convicted of a felony or Penal Law misdemeanor. At the bill signing, Ann M., the mother of a rape survivor and a courageous and passionate advocate for the families of survivors shared this:

"By signing this bill today, the Governor and the Legislature are taking the necessary steps to not only solve and prevent violent crimes, but also help other families from the pain my family has suffered over the past decade—pain no parent should ever be forced to suffer."

While we are so proud of this accomplishment, there is still much more work to be done. In recognition of today, Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action, we ask that you consider making a meaningful gift in support of our mission to heal, educate and empower survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and to shed light into the darkness that surrounds these issues. To make a tax-deductible contribution to our efforts now, please visit our online donation form.

Thank you in advance for your generosity and, as always, for your dedication to our work and those we have the privilege of serving.

With deep gratitude,