Sanctuary for Families

Sanctuary for Families | New York’s leading service provider and advocate for survivors of gender violence

Each June, celebrates the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community — but the work is year-round.LGBTQ+ people a...
06/09/2026

Each June, celebrates the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community — but the work is year-round.

LGBTQ+ people are facing rising levels of harassment, hate crimes, online abuse, and discriminatory policies. These threats can have profound impacts on safety, mental health, and access to support.

Sanctuary’s commitment to creating a world where LGBTQ+ people are protected, affirmed, and free from violence is more important than ever. We will continue to provide free services to all individuals, regardless of s*x, s*xual orientation, and gender identity.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, Sanctuary is here to support you. Get help today at https://bit.ly/2Nyy5ro

As technology rapidly evolves, it must be designed, deployed, and governed to prevent violence, support survivors, and p...
06/06/2026

As technology rapidly evolves, it must be designed, deployed, and governed to prevent violence, support survivors, and protect vulnerable communities.

This Summit brings together cross-sector leaders to examine the rapidly changing landscape of tech-facilitated gender-based violence — from emerging tools and ethical challenges to survivor-centered approaches for prevention and response.

In a session on AI and Manipulated Violence, Lindsey Song, Director of Sanctuary's Technology-Facilitated Abuse Initiative, will explore the growing use of AI-generated and manipulated evidence in civil cases involving abuse, the urgent challenges this poses for the justice system, and how practitioners can identify false or misleading evidence and respond effectively.

Register at https://bit.ly/4ul7DST

KYRA’S LAW IS HERE! After years of advocacy, today is the day we finally celebrate the passage of Kyra’s Law — a critica...
06/05/2026

KYRA’S LAW IS HERE! After years of advocacy, today is the day we finally celebrate the passage of Kyra’s Law — a critical step toward making New York’s Family Courts safer for children and survivors of domestic violence.

At Sanctuary for Families, we know how urgently this reform is needed. Every year, we advocate for thousands of survivors navigating Family Court while trying to protect themselves and their children from abuse, including survivors whose abusive partners continue to cause harm through custody and visitation proceedings.

For too long, courts have failed to adequately consider warning signs such as coercive control, stalking, threats, and abuse when making custody and visitation decisions, sometimes with tragic consequences. Kyra’s Law will help change that by requiring courts to prioritize child safety, consider evidence of abuse, and strengthen judicial training on domestic violence and child abuse.

We are deeply grateful to the New York State Legislature, bill sponsors Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and Senator James Skoufis, and the many advocates, survivors, and child safety experts whose tireless efforts helped make this legislation a reality.

Most importantly, we honor Kyra Franchetti and recognize the extraordinary courage and perseverance of her mother, Jacqueline, who transformed unimaginable loss into systemic change that will protect countless children.

We urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign Kyra’s Law.

WHAT A NIGHT!Last night’s Benefit raised a record-breaking $3.1 million in support of Sanctuary for Families and survi...
06/04/2026

WHAT A NIGHT!

Last night’s Benefit raised a record-breaking $3.1 million in support of Sanctuary for Families and survivors of gender-based violence.

We gathered to celebrate the strength of survivors, shine a light on emerging forms of gender violence, and honor the extraordinary community that makes Sanctuary’s work possible.

To those in the room, thank you for helping Sanctuary light the way for thousands of survivors each year.

The evening was made especially powerful by the voices of our survivors, advocates, and honorees. As our 2026 Zero Tolerance Survivor Speaker, Jennifer, shared:

“I am proof that resilience is real. Proof that pain does not get the final word. Proof that after darkness, a woman can still shine.”

A huge shout-out to our INCREDIBLE host Lydia Fenet and the LEGENDARY DJ Spinderella who brought the house down at our after party!

Financial s*xtortion has emerged as one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes targeting young people.Historically, perpetra...
06/01/2026

Financial s*xtortion has emerged as one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes targeting young people.

Historically, perpetrators targeted young girls to extort them for more explicit content. But today, it’s young boys who are overwhelmingly the target.

Between 2021 and 2023, the FBI received more than 13,000 reports involving over 12,600 victims. At least 36 teenage boys have died by su***de after being victimized by s*xtortion, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Support can save lives.

Learn more about tech-facilitated abuse, reporting, and protective safeguards at our Online Safety Guide for Teens at https://sanctuaryforfamilies.org/tdvam-online-safety/

At this year’s Zero Tolerance Benefit, Sanctuary for Families is thrilled to honor a dedicated supporter of our mission ...
06/01/2026

At this year’s Zero Tolerance Benefit, Sanctuary for Families is thrilled to honor a dedicated supporter of our mission and of survivors of gender-based violence, Carrie Denning Jackson.

A committed donor for many years, Carrie has also raised funds on Sanctuary’s behalf by participating in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, actively engaging her personal and professional networks, and introducing Sanctuary to a new set of donors.

Carrie has also volunteered with Sanctuary’s Economic Empowerment Program, helping survivors strengthen their interview skills and refine their resumes. Her involvement reflects both her belief in Sanctuary’s mission and her broader commitment to creating safe, healthy environments in which individuals and families can thrive.

Congratulations to 2026 Zero Tolerance Award Honoree Carrie Denning Jackson!

Learn more about Carrie's work with Sanctuary: https://bit.ly/3RUjY2M
Check out our exclusive Silent Auction items: https://bit.ly/4dzH7QF

At our 2026 Zero Tolerance Benefit, Sanctuary for Families is thrilled to present the Zero Tolerance Award to a dedicate...
05/28/2026

At our 2026 Zero Tolerance Benefit, Sanctuary for Families is thrilled to present the Zero Tolerance Award to a dedicated supporter whose meaningful contributions have significantly advanced the movement to end gender-based violence, Ida Hoghooghi.

Ida has been a valued member of the Sanctuary community for more than a decade. She joined our Board of Directors in 2017 and has held multiple leadership roles, including Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee, Chair of the Governance Committee, and member of the Executive Committee.

In these capacities, Ida has brought analytical rigor, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to expanding critical resources for survivors of gender-based violence.

Congratulations to 2026 Zero Tolerance Award Honoree Ida Hoghooghi!

Learn more about Sanctuary's Zero Tolerance Benefit on June 3rd: https://bit.ly/3sTRaYQ

Check out our exclusive Silent Auction items: https://bit.ly/4dzH7QF

At this year’s Zero Tolerance Benefit, Sanctuary for Families is proud to honor an incredible advocate for survivors of ...
05/27/2026

At this year’s Zero Tolerance Benefit, Sanctuary for Families is proud to honor an incredible advocate for survivors of gender-based violence, Anita Kawatra.

Anita has a longstanding commitment to public service and social impact. Her involvement with Sanctuary spans more than twenty-five years, including eighteen years of Board service.

Since first joining the Board in 2003, she has played a sustained leadership role within the organization, most notably as Vice President of the Board, co-chair of the Advocacy Committee, and co-chair of the Nominating Committee, helping to shape systems change strategy and strengthen Sanctuary’s advocacy for survivors and structural reform, while expanding the breadth of experience and perspective represented on the Board.

She has also served on the Executive Committee and as a counselor on key strategic initiatives advancing Sanctuary’s mission and public voice, most recently advising on media strategy for the Feminist Justice Committee.

Congratulations to 2026 Zero Tolerance Award Honoree Anita Kawatra!

Learn more about Sanctuary's Zero Tolerance Benefit on June 3rd: https://bit.ly/3sTRaYQ
Check out our exclusive Silent Auction items: https://bit.ly/4dzH7QF

As of May 19, the Take It Down Act is fully in effect.That means social media platforms must provide a plain-language fo...
05/22/2026

As of May 19, the Take It Down Act is fully in effect.

That means social media platforms must provide a plain-language form for a person to report nonconsensual explicit images of themselves.

Image-based abuse, or non-consensual intimate image abuse, refers to the non-consensual creation, taking, or sharing of intimate images.

Studies show that a third of survivors of image-based abuse never disclose their experiences to anyone, often due to shame or fear.

The Take It Down Act is an important step toward making it easier for survivors to report abuse and access immediate remedies.

Learn more about how to request the takedown of explicit images at https://bit.ly/43my7bt

Sanctuary's 2026 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 is now OPEN 🎉💃🥳Featuring 40+ exclusive items — including dinner at Rao's,...
05/20/2026

Sanctuary's 2026 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 is now OPEN 🎉💃🥳

Featuring 40+ exclusive items — including dinner at Rao's, Super Bowl tickets, exquisite jewelry, luxury hotel stays, Watch What Happens L!ve with Andy Cohen tickets, Late Night with Seth Meyers tickets, and so much more.

💜 𝗕𝗶𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘄 and support survivors of gender-based violence at https://bit.ly/4uSwr5o

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