Golden State Today

California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom has released a report with recommendations aimed at enhancing the state's support for survivors of sexual assault. This comprehensive roadmap results from the First Partner’s Working Group on Support for Survivors of Sexual Assault, co-chaired by Siebel Newsom and retired Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley. The report identifies gaps in current systems and suggests improvements to ensure survivors receive dignity, respect, and justice.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom emphasized the personal importance of the initiative: “As a survivor, the work of preventing sexual violence and supporting other survivors is deeply personal to me, as it is to so many others. The Working Group on Support for Survivors of Sexual Assault’s final report is more than a set of recommendations, it’s a call to action for every system designed to support and protect survivors. We’ve laid out a bold, actionable path forward that is rooted in healing, justice, and accountability because every survivor deserves to be treated with dignity. Now is the time for leaders at every level to join us in turning these solutions into action and building a stronger, safer California for everyone.”

Nancy O’Malley also stressed the urgency of ongoing efforts: “For nearly 50 years, California has stood as a national leader in combating, responding to, caring for, and empowering victims of sexual assault crimes. We have done so much, with so much more to be done. Our report makes it clear that all professionals with whom sexual assault victim-survivors engage must be trained and committed to ensuring they’re treated with care, dignity, compassion and empowerment. I believe this Report will be the impetus for all of us to become warriors to combat and end sexual assault in California, in America, and across the globe.”

Conceived in 2023, the working group consists of experts across various sectors, including government, public health, and law enforcement. The report is intended as a practical guide for policymakers and community leaders, highlighting California's role as a frontrunner in addressing sexual violence, such as the creation of the first Victim Compensation Program and Rape Crisis Centers. Despite these advances, the report underscores ongoing systemic barriers that hinder survivor access to care and justice.

The report's recommendations outline several initiatives: providing evidence-based educational materials for defense attorneys, initiating trauma-informed jury instructions, collecting and utilizing survivor feedback, ensuring culturally and linguistically accessible support, strengthening consent-based education, and improving service coordination statewide. The full report is publicly available for review.