Sanctuary for Families

Named after a courageous Sanctuary client and staffed by Nicole Fidler, Lesley Johannsen, and Annabelle Lopane, the Narkis Golan Initiative provides training, advice, technical assistance, and pro bono referrals for survivors facing international child abduction disputes in the United States. Learn more about Sanctuary's latest initiative and submit a request for assistance today. https://lnkd.in/gv4CGvMh

Sanctuary for Families is excited to announce the appointment of six new members to our Board of Directors and the election of new leadership roles. Their expertise and commitment to our mission will help us continue advocating for and supporting survivors of gender-based violence. Please join us in welcoming: Nefertiti J. Alexander Partner, Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP Greg Baker Litigation Partner, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP Ingrid von Ahn Executive Director, ILVA Foundation Jeannette Boot Partner, WilmerHale Diana Brummer Partner, Goodwin Michele Dinn, CFA Retired Institutional Investor -- We are also pleased to announce the new leadership roles for our Board of Directors: President: Michele Penzer, Partner at Latham & Watkins Vice President: Jamila Abston Mayfield, Founder and CEO of The Jamila Mayfield Group, LLC Vice President: Anita Kawatra, Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs at Kallyope Vice President & Secretary: Katharine Bieber Ogg Treasurer: Francesca Odell, Partner at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP Read our press release here: https://lnkd.in/gJm2qxTC

Today, the Supreme Court issued its decision in the consolidated cases Moyle v. United States and Idaho v. United States, sending them back to the lower courts without a ruling on the merits but reinstating an injunction requiring Idaho to permit abortions in the case of major health crises. This decision ensures that, for now, women in Idaho can access essential emergency abortion care when their lives or health are at risk, affirming that medical professionals can provide life-saving treatments without fear of criminal penalties or losing their medical licenses. However, as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson noted in her partial concurrence, “Today’s decision is not a victory for pregnant patients in Idaho. It is delay. While this court dawdles and the country waits, pregnant people experiencing emergency medical conditions remain in a precarious position, as their doctors are kept in the dark about what the law requires.”   Statement from Sanctuary CEO Hon. Judy Kluger: "Today, the Supreme Court squandered an opportunity to stand against state-sponsored gender-based violence. While the decision allows pregnant women in Idaho to receive emergency abortion care for the time being, it also denies patients in Texas and around the country access to the same life-saving treatment. Access to emergency medical services is particularly crucial for survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault, who often need urgent care during pregnancy. Sanctuary for Families is proud to have submitted an amicus brief demonstrating how abortion bans like Idaho’s disproportionately harm survivors. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for comprehensive healthcare rights and protecting against all forms of gender-based violence."   ###   Media inquiries: press@sffny.org

Statement from Sanctuary CEO Hon. Judy Kluger on the Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Rahimi: "Sanctuary for Families applauds the Supreme Court's decision to uphold critical firearm restrictions for individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders. This ruling is an important step in protecting survivors of intimate partner abuse and combating the silent epidemic of femicide in the United States. When abusers have access to firearms, they are five times more likely to murder their partners or ex-partners. By recognizing the dangers that firearms pose in the hands of abusers, the Court has acknowledged the scope of this crisis and underscored the need for stronger gun control. We will continue our relentless advocacy on behalf of survivors to protect their fundamental right to live free from violence." #WeAreSanctuary #USvRahimi

Happy #Pride from all of us at Sanctuary! 🌈 It's our favorite time of the year when we get to celebrate New York's LGBTQI+ community and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring ALL survivors can find safety and stability as they rebuild their lives in the aftermath of abuse. Intimate partner violence, like other forms of abuse­, does not discriminate based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. At Sanctuary, we also recognize that LGBTQI+ individuals’ experiences of abuse are too often ignored or dismissed and that queer and trans folks face unique barriers to seeking help because of who they are or who they love. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please know we're here for you. Sanctuary’s services are free and available to ALL individuals regardless of race, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, national origin, citizenship status, or marital status. We look forward to marching with so many of you this June 30th at the NYC Pride March!

The Supreme Court's unanimous ruling on mifepristone is a relief, but it also underscores the anti-choice movement’s persistent efforts to control women’s bodies — a form of #GenderViolence that disproportionately harms survivors. Read Sanctuary CEO Judy Kluger's full statement on today's #SCOTUS ruling in FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine: https://lnkd.in/gimUTtPW

To our beloved community — THANK YOU! Last night’s #ZeroTolerance Benefit raised over $2.6 million in support of Sanctuary for Families and survivors of gender-based violence. We came together to celebrate 40 years of incredible progress and our commitment to continue this vital work. For those in the room, we hope our speakers and honorees inspired your ongoing support for Sanctuary and our efforts to create a world where freedom from gender violence is a basic human right. Thank you for helping us improve the lives of thousands of adults and children each year. Our 2024 Zero Tolerance Survivor Leader Speaker, Jessica, said it perfectly: “Sanctuary, WE are the MVPs of gender-based violence prevention.” A huge shout-out to our AMAZING hosts Brooke Shields and Ali Wentworth and to the legendary DJ Spinderella for making us dance the night away. We look forward to sharing the full program video and more photos with our entire community in the coming days. #WeAreSanctuary

🪩 Get ready to spin the night away with the legendary DJ Spinderella at our #ZeroTolerance 40th Anniversary Benefit After Party! As a Grammy Award-winning DJ and a true pioneer of hip-hop, Spinderella is set to bring the house down. Don’t miss out on this epic night of music and celebration. Grab your tickets now and join us on June 5th to make a difference. 🎟️ sffny.org/zerotolerance

Every year, at our Zero Tolerance Benefit, Sanctuary for Families honors those who have significantly contributed to the movement to end gender-based violence. This year, we are thrilled to present the 2024 Zero Tolerance Award to Lori Evans Bernstein, CEO and Co-Founder at Caraway. Learn more about Lori's outstanding contributions: https://lnkd.in/ghkmRPaE Join us on June 5th for our 40th anniversary Zero Tolerance Benefit: https://lnkd.in/dW2F2UZ

Every year, at our Zero Tolerance Benefit, Sanctuary for Families honors those who have significantly contributed to the movement to end gender violence. This year, we are thrilled to present the 2024 Zero Tolerance Award to Aliya Karmally Sahai, Principal at Bernstein Private Wealth Management. Learn more about Aliya's outstanding contributions: https://lnkd.in/gMjZtzVg Join us on June 5th for our 40th anniversary Zero Tolerance Benefit: https://lnkd.in/dW2F2UZ