Recent news headlines this summer have been full of harrowing cases of sexual assault and domestic violence, reminding us that there is so much yet to be done. We know that many communities and institutions do not adequately address the magnitude and consequences of sexual violence, in a way that brings healing and justice to survivors and accountability to offenders. Here are just a few examples:

• Five Vanderbilt football players were charged with rape in the past several weeks, a pattern at colleges and high schools across the country.
• The Pentagon recently reported that 26,000 troops had been sexually assaulted in 2012, a 35% increase since 2010.
• A disappointing report by Yale University declared that “non-consensual sex” would be met with a mere “written reprimand,” reinforcing the position that universities around the country aren’t doing enough to address rape on campus.

Some days, however, we make a little progress—we see a glimmer of hope—and are heartened by a few rays of light that shine through the darkness.

• The Pentagon announced on August 2 that it fired 60 troops and would continue to review files and future applicants to ensure that these crimes inside U.S. armed forces are stopped.
• Senator Wendy L. Davis fought for—and got—$11 million in funding to test Texas’s 20,000 backlogged rape kits.
• Next month, in light of the recent spate murders in domestic violence cases, Connecticut Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy will introduce the Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act, to ban the sale of firearms to any person who has been issued a temporary restraining order.

At Joyful Heart, we advocate for local, state and federal governments to change laws, we engage society to change how people approach the issues of sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse, and we pursue justice for survivors so that their voices are heard. This year, we are working in Detroit, Los Angeles and Connecticut to continue to uncover rape kit backlogs, improve victim notification and encourage those communities—as well as the federal government—to play an active role in resolving both of these issues.

Our advocacy work is only possible with your support. Join us and give voice to these important issues by donating today.