Category: News

Survivors can now track their S.A.F.E. kits

On January 23, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law S715/A908, known as The New Jersey Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking Act, establishing an internet-based tracking system for sexual assault forensic evidence (S.A.F.E.) kits. This system enhances transparency and empowers survivors by allowing them to monitor the status and location of their kits throughout the investigative process.

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, a primary sponsor, emphasized the importance of this legislation in supporting survivors’ rights and promoting accountability within the criminal justice system.

Younity was honored to be present at the signing ceremony, reaffirming our commitment to advocating for victim-survivors and collaborating on initiatives that promote a more just and equitable community. Learn more here.

This law marks a significant step forward in New Jersey’s survivor-centered, trauma-informed response to sexual violence. By granting survivors real-time access to SAFE kit information, the state aims to foster trust and encourage reporting.

Survivors Now Have Expanded Legal Rights to Seek Justice

New Jersey has taken a significant step forward in supporting victim-survivors of sexual violence with the passage of The Justice for Survivors Act (A-4684/S-3564). Signed into law
by Governor Phil Murphy, this legislation removes legal barriers
that previously made it harder for survivors to seek justice.

What does this mean?

• Survivors now have more time to file lawsuits against their abusers, even
  if the original statute of limitations has passed.
  
• Nonprofits can no longer claim immunity if they were negligent in cases of sexual abuse, allowing survivors to hold them accountable.
  
• Public entities, like government agencies, can no longer use immunity as a defense in civil cases related to sexual violence.

These changes ensure survivors have a fair chance to pursue justice, no matter when the abuse occurred or who was responsible. Younity fully supports this law and remains committed to providing resources, advocacy, and hope for all victim-survivors.

First established in 2001, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) honors the resiliency and healing of victim-survivors while drawing critical attention to this important issue. This year’s SAAM theme is Together We Act, United We Change, emphasizing the power of collective action in building safer communities. When we stand together, we are stronger than abuse.

There are many ways to take action—wear teal and raise awareness on social media using #SAAM, participate in Denim Day by wearing jeans, or join us on April 30th at the H.U.B. in Trenton to decorate jeans in solidarity with victim-survivors. You can also check out the SAAM exhibition at the Robert J. Hughes Justice Complex and other community events throughout April.

Every action, no matter how small, helps create change.

How You Can Take Action This April

Wear Teal
Teal is the official color of sexual violence prevention. Wear it proudly to show your support and spark conversations about consent, safety, and respect. Share your photos on social media using #SAAM2025.

Walk with Us at the 10th Annual R.O.S.A. Walk (April 12)
Hosted by R.O.S.A. and One Heaven Inc., this annual walk for SAAM takes place at Cadwalader Park in Trenton, with virtual participation also available.
Registration starts at 8:00 AM
The first 100 registrants receive a free t-shirt.
Visit TONABUCK.COM to register.

Join Denim Day at the H.U.B. (April 30)
In solidarity with victim-survivors, Younity is joining the global Denim Day movement.
Where: The H.U.B., 16 W. Front Street, 3rd Floor, Trenton NJ
Time: 3:30 to 5:00 P.M.
Decorate jeans, speak out against victim-blaming, and stand up for survivors.

Policy Progress in New Jersey

This year, survivor advocacy saw major wins in Trenton—and Younity was there for it all:

SAFE Kit Tracking Act (S715/A908)
Signed into law in January, this act establishes a tracking system for sexual assault forensic evidence (SAFE) kits. Survivors can now monitor the status of their kit throughout the investigative process—building transparency, accountability, and trust.

Justice for Survivors Act (A-4684/S-3564)
This new law:

• Extends the time survivors have to file lawsuits, even after the statute of limitations
• Removes legal immunity for nonprofits and public entities in civil cases related to sexual violence
• Ensures survivors can hold institutions accountable

These changes are a powerful step forward in creating a more just, trauma-informed legal system for survivors across New Jersey.

You can read more here.

Together, We Make a Difference

Whether you’re wearing teal, walking with us, decorating denim, or raising your voice online, your actions matter. SAAM is more than a month on the calendar. It’s a movement toward a safer, more compassionate world.

Want to stay connected?
Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on SAAM events and other ways to support victim-survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

Questions?
Contact us at education@younitynj.org

At Younity (formerly Womanspace), we know that law enforcement plays a critical role in supporting victim-survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Officers are often the first point of contact after a traumatic event, and their response can shape whether a victim-survivor feels supported enough to seek help. That’s why we are committed to strengthening partnerships with law enforcement through ongoing training and collaboration, ensuring officers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide trauma-informed responses.

Training to Improve Police Response

Throughout January, Varonda Kendrick, Younity’s Response Teams Coordinator, provided 16 days of training to the Hamilton Police Department, reaching over 160 officers. These sessions covered key topics such as:
• The dynamics of domestic violence and why leaving an abuser is complex.
• Understanding coercive control, emotional abuse, and strangulation risks.
• The impact of trauma on victim-survivors and how to provide a compassionate response.
• Ensuring victim-survivors are connected with essential resources.

By prioritizing trauma-informed policing, officers can help build trust with victim-survivors and create pathways to safety and justice.

A Shared Commitment to Safer Communities

We deeply appreciate our collaboration with law enforcement and recognize that by working together, we can build a stronger, safer community for all. A special thank you to Sgt. Mark Watson for helping coordinate these training sessions and to the officers who participated in this important initiative:

• Detective Chris Pullen
• Detective Bob Whartenby
• Detective Sam Young
• Sergeant Mark Watson
• Lieutenant Dave Schultz
• Sergeant Rick Guarin
• Sergeant Kevin Wilkins
• Detective Dan Inman

Looking Ahead

Younity remains committed to expanding training opportunities and enhancing partnerships with police departments across Mercer County. We believe that through education, collaboration, and community engagement, we can foster a justice system that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and well-being of all victim-survivors.

Stay tuned for updates on future law enforcement training initiatives.

We are beyond excited to honor Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action, as this year’s recipient of The Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award. Angela is a visionary leader in the movement to end gun violence, driving one of the most powerful grassroots organizations in the nation. Her tireless advocacy and passion for public safety align deeply with Younity’s mission to create safer futures for victim-survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Why Angela’s Work Matters

The connection between domestic violence and gun violence is undeniable. Research shows that when an abuser has access to a firearm, the risk of homicide increases fivefold. Guns are the most common weapon used in intimate partner homicides, and tragically, more than half of all female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former partner. Angela’s leadership in the fight for common-sense gun laws directly addresses this crisis and protects the lives of victim-survivors and their families.

Through Moms Demand Action, Angela has:
• Led nationwide efforts to close loopholes that allow abusers to access firearms.
• Advocated for the reauthorization and expansion of the Violence Against Women Act, ensuring stronger protections for victim-survivors.
• Pushed for community-based solutions that empower survivors and prevent violence before it starts.

A Leader Who Embodies Younity’s Mission

Angela’s work is about more than policy—it’s about people. She is a fierce advocate for equity, ensuring that the most vulnerable communities—women, children, people of color, and marginalized groups—have the support they need. Like Younity, she believes everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes and communities. Her dedication to survivor-centered solutions and grassroots mobilization reflects our own efforts to prevent domestic violence, support victim-survivors, and create lasting change.

Join Us to Celebrate Angela’s Impact

Angela Ferrell-Zabala’s commitment to justice and survivor safety makes her an extraordinary honoree for The Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award. We invite you to celebrate her achievements at our 29th Annual Awards Dinner on May 15, 2025, at The Boathouse at Mercer Lake in West Windsor, NJ.

• Tickets available soon! Stay tuned for details on how to attend this inspiring evening.

• Sponsorships Now Available! Be a supporter of Younity’s biggest event of the year. Learn about opportunities here.

Learn More

We are thrilled to announce that Younity has been selected to receive a $50,000 Impact Grant from the Princeton Area Community Foundation to support our Transitional Housing Program. This generous funding will help us continue providing survivors of domestic and sexual violence with safe, stable housing as they rebuild their lives.

For many survivors, housing is one of the biggest barriers to long-term safety and independence. Through our Transitional Housing Program, Younity offers not just shelter, but also personalized support services, advocacy, and resources to help survivors achieve lasting stability. This grant will allow us to strengthen these efforts, ensuring that more individuals and families can access the secure housing they need to heal and move forward.

We are deeply grateful to the Princeton Area Community Foundation for recognizing the critical importance of transitional housing in breaking cycles of abuse and empowering survivors. With their support, Younity can continue to make a lasting impact in our community.

On Monday, December 2, thousands of candles illuminated the homes, businesses, and streets of Mercer County. Our collective light not only lit up the night but demonstrated our community’s commitment to safety, healing, and hope for victim-survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Thanks to your support, Communities of Light was a tremendous success. Through the hard work and dedication of retailers, community coordinators, staff, and volunteers, we lit over 6,000 candles in solidarity with victim-survivors.  Each flame represented resilience, courage, and the unwavering strength of our community.

In partnership with municipal governments, businesses, and police departments, Younity held lightings across Mercer County. Thank you to the volunteers, staff, and community partners who made these lightings a success! Check out photos from the events here.

Not only did Communities of Light successfully raise awareness of the devastating impact of domestic violence and sexual assault, but it also successfully raised over $25,000 to further support our mission and our services to over 10,000 members of our community each year.

We’d like to take a moment to thank all of the local companies and individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to violence-free homes, schools, and communities as COL sponsors. A special thank you goes out to our Starlight and Illuminate level sponsors.

Starlight Sponsor

Dandelion Wishes
45 W Broad St, Hopewell, NJ 08525
A carefully curated collection of American handcrafted goods. Find thoughtful and unique gifts for all ages and budgets. 

Illuminate Sponsors

Alliant Insurance Services
101 Park Ave., 14th Floor, New York, NY 10178
Alliant Insurance Services combines the power and breadth of big-company resources with a hyper-personalized approach that puts your interests above everything else.

Aqua New Jersey
762 West Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Aqua New Jersey is committed to providing safe and reliable water and wastewater services to 11 counties across the Garden State.

Capital Health
One Capital Way, Pennington, NJ 08534
Capital Health is the region’s leader in providing progressive, quality patient care with exceptional physicians, nurses, and staff, as well as advanced technology.

Thank you for being a part of the 23rd Annual Communities of Light! Together, we are bridging communities—across streets, cities, and even different perspectives—to raise awareness and stand against violence. Together, we are stronger than abuse.

In December 2024, Younity’s staff and leadership team participated in a powerful moment of advocacy at the State House in Trenton. We were present when bipartisan bill S715 passed unanimously—an important step in empowering victim-survivors of sexual assault. If signed into law, this groundbreaking bill will offer victim-survivors real-time updates on the status of their Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) kits, bringing much-needed transparency and support to the process.

According to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, DNA evidence collected during SAFE exams has become a critical factor in achieving justice for victim-survivors. However, the overwhelming backlog of evidence is one of the biggest obstacles to prosecuting perpetrators. Bill S715, sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, aims to reduce the number of untested SAFE kits statewide and expedite the investigation of rape cases to deliver justice and closure for victims.

While specifics have not been disclosed, the internet-based tracking system would provide transparency to victim-survivors throughout the process, from evidence collection to DNA testing. Prior to the introduction of this bill, New Jersey was 1 of only 10 states in the US that had not adopted a centralized tracking system for DNA testing.

Varonda Kendrick, Younity’s Response Teams Coordinator, works directly with victim-survivors and offered her insight in the PIX 11 coverage of this historic legislation.

“It is very important for survivors because right now, they don’t have any way of knowing what’s happening with their kit, and sometimes that makes them lose confidence in the system. For them to be able to have some type of tracking would give them more hope that something is actually happening with their case.”

In 2015, RAINN reported that rape is the most under-reported crime, with approximately 63% of sexual assaults not reported to police. While there are an infinite number of reasons that a victim-survivor may not report sexual assault, passing Bill S715 into law will ensure that transparency in processing is not one of them.

We are thrilled to announce that Younity has been selected as a 2024 Bank of America Neighborhood Builder, a prestigious recognition that comes with a $200,000 grant over two years and leadership development opportunities for our team. This honor underscores Younity’s vital role in providing safety, advocacy, and healing for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in New Jersey.

Through the Neighborhood Builders program, Bank of America supports high-impact nonprofits that drive economic resilience and create safer, stronger communities. This investment will enable Younity to expand its reach, enhance its services, and strategically plan for long-term impact, ensuring survivors receive the comprehensive support they need.

The grant will support leadership development, strengthening our ability to navigate change, build a forward-thinking culture, and expand fundraising efforts. It will also sustain critical services for survivors, including Younity’s 24/7 Safe House, crisis hotlines, counseling, and court advocacy, which impact over 11,000 individuals annually. Additionally, it will help scale fundraising efforts to offset declining government funding, ensuring the long-term stability of these essential programs. 

By investing in Younity’s future, this grant strengthens our ability to break cycles of violence, stabilize families, and empower survivors—particularly in underserved communities like Trenton, NJ. We are deeply grateful to Bank of America for this opportunity and to our supporters who help make our mission possible.