Victim Rights Law Center

10/16/2026

We are thrilled to announce VRLC’s 2027 National Sexual Violence Law Conference (NSVLC) keynote speaker, Laurie A. Watkins!

A strategist, author, former Pentagon policy official, and survivor, Watkins focuses her writing, speaking, and media commentary on women, justice, equality, and what becomes possible when women refuse to stay silent simply because speaking carries a cost.

Watkins will open the conference with a radically honest conversation about risk, courage, silence, and power, exploring what becomes possible when we decide fear doesn’t get the final say.

Expand your knowledge and feed your soul in New Orleans! Learn from leaders like Watkins and connect with friends and colleagues as we explore innovative ways to support sexual violence survivors in the current political landscape and beyond.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Join us for our 2027 NSVLC, March 9–10. Register today here: https://victimrights.org/conference/

10/13/2026

While rideshares have become a vital part of modern transportation, old concerns about the dangers of accepting rides from strangers remain. The integration of rideshare services into our everyday life also spurs serious questions about safety and accountability.

Join us in New Orleans, March 9–10, for VRLC’s 2027 National Sexual Violence Law Conference (NSVLC) for Sexual Assaults and Rideshares. In this workshop, accomplished trial lawyer and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers Quentin Brogdon brings significant experience in personal injury litigation to this conversation on sexual assault in the context of services like Uber and Lyft.

Come together with colleagues and thought leaders from across the country for a lineup of workshops that explore critical issues in sexual violence law. Connect with and learn from experienced advocates and attorneys from across the field while enjoying the inviting culture and history of New Orleans.

Register today here: https://victimrights.org/training/conference

10/09/2026

Last night, hundreds lit up Boston Common at Boston’s Cornell Jane Doe Solidarity Rally, standing with Cornell’s Jane Doe, LSU’s Kendall Francis, and survivors everywhere.

We are grateful to our partner organizations who made this event possible, and to the many who gathered to show support.

VRLC Executive Director Stacy Malone spoke at the rally and called out our need for systems that prioritize survivors’ safety, education, and futures.

“Too often we see the perpetrators move forward with their degrees, their careers, their futures, while the survivors? They drop out, they transfer, or they spend years, sometimes a lifetime, recovering. Where is the urgency in their futures? Where is the fight for their dreams? Tonight that fight is right here with you and with all of us.”

10/08/2026

Survivors are told to speak up, but what happens when speaking the truth leads to a defamation lawsuit?

Join us in New Orleans, March 9-10 for the 2027 National Sexual Violence Law Conference (NSVLC) workshop When Survivors Speak: Defamation, Retaliation, & the Emerging Movement to Protect Survivor Speech. Victoria Burke, Esq., of Speak Your Truth Act Nationwide Movement, and co-presenter Anne Marie Hauben of ’ Solidarity March examine legal reforms and practical strategies that can help ensure survivors do not have to choose between speaking their truth and risking financial ruin.

The countdown is on to NSVLC! This workshop is one of many opportunities to explore critical issues in sexual violence law. Connect with and learn from leaders in the field from across the country while taking in the culture, historic streets, and spirit that make New Orleans a memorable destination.

Register today here: victimrights.org/conference

10/06/2026

As public outcry over Cornell continues, it’s impossible to ignore that the actions of the Trump administration have only reinforced the longstanding culture of disbelief, victim-blaming and institutional failure that student survivors continue to navigate.

“We have an administration that is actively rolling back protections for student survivors,” VRLC Deputy Director of External Affairs Amanda Walsh told The Guardian.

“...however much support she receives is exactly how much negativity she’ll get on the other side,” she said of Cornell’s Jane Doe. “At this point, with the political moment and online response, it almost feels like supporting a survivor of sexual violence feels political or partisan, which is wild.”

Read more from the Guardian here: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/oct/03/cornell-gang-r**e-me-too

10/06/2026

We are proud to stand in solidarity with JDI, Mass NOW, and our partner organizations working tirelessly to demand justice for all survivors. Join us as VRLC’s Executive Director, Stacy Malone, speaks at this event, and we come together to support Cornell’s Jane Doe and survivors everywhere!

As the coalition of organizations working to end sexual assault and gender-based violence here in MA, JDI and MassNow are joining the National Day of Action and are holding a rally in support of Jane Doe - and of course all survivors everywhere. We will be at Boston Common Parkman Bandstand from 6-8PM

10/02/2026

🙌🏽 Thanks to you, we raised nearly $380,000 at last night’s Shining Star Celebration! Your contribution makes a tremendous difference in the life of every sexual assault survivor we serve.

In a time when so much is uncertain, we are especially grateful for the friends and partners who stand with us. Thank you for championing our work and for celebrating the pro bonos, clients, and movement leaders who inspire it.

We move forward today recharged by the work and words of our awardees and by your support as we continue to pursue justice for survivors.

Missed last night’s Shining Star Celebration? You can still help keep survivors safe in their homes, jobs, schools, and the country by donating today here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/victim-rights-law-center-inc/2026-shining-star-celebration

10/01/2026

While the Cornell case has reignited public outrage over campus sexual violence, the Trump administration continues to dismantle Title IX protections for student survivors.

VRLC Deputy Director of External Affairs Amanda Walsh spoke with The Boston Globe and Bloomberg Government about campus accountability and the barriers student survivors face in seeking justice.

Read the Globe story here: tinyurl.com/VRLC-Globe
Read the Bloomberg story here: tinyurl.com/VRLC-BGov

10/01/2026

If the Cornell case is making you feel angry, helpless, or both – we understand. VRLC Deputy Director of External Affairs Amanda Walsh urges us to direct that anger into a deeper understanding of campus sexual assault response and collective action we can all take to protect student survivors.
Read the blog here: tinyurl.com/VRLCCornellAction

09/30/2026

Sending sincere gratitude out to the partners and sponsors whose continued support helps make VRLC’s vital work possible!

Join us in welcoming our newest Speak Out Partners: Dechert LLP ; Levin, Riback, Adelman, P.C ; McDermott Will & Schulte, and O'Brien Law Firm.

We’re also extending a big thank you to our newest Healing Sponsor, Kirkland & Ellis!
These funding partners and sponsors support our continued efforts to expand access to legal services for survivors, advance survivor-centered policy change, and provide training and support to professionals nationwide.

Interested in partnering with VRLC? Learn more here: victimrights.org/make-an-impact/sponsor-vrlc/