Res. No. 1676
Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transit Authority to institute a "Wall of Shame" for sexual offenders.
By Council Members Vallone, Ferreras, Vacca and Ulrich
Whereas, There has been a troubling increase in the number of reported sexual attacks in the subway; and
Whereas, According to statistics released by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), during the period of January to November 2012 there were nine reported cases of rape in the subway system, an increase from three reported cases during the same period in 2011; and
Whereas, While the MTA does not provide more detailed statistics on sexual attacks in the subway, according to an article published in 2011 in the New York Daily News, in 2011 the NYPD received 600 complaints of sexual harassment in the subway, and according to the same report the real number of sexual attacks is probably in the thousands because it is underreported; and
Whereas, A 2007 survey released by the Manhattan Borough President's office found that sexual harassment and assault was a widespread problem on New York City subways; and
Whereas, The report titled, "Hidden in Plain Sight: Sexual Harassment and Assault in the New York City Subway System," noted that while actual statistics of sexual assault on the subway were not available, anecdotal data shows the existence of the problem; and
Whereas, The Manhattan Borough President report surveyed more than 25,000 people, and found that 63 percent of respondents reported having been sexually harassed on the subway, 10 percent of respondents reported having been sexually assaulted on the subway, and 69 percent of respondents reported feeling sexually threatened on the subway; and
Whereas, The report also found that 96 percent of those who reported being sexually harassed did not report the incident to the authorities, 86 percent of respondents who had been sexually assaulted did not report the incidents to the authorities; and
Whereas, According to New Yorkers for Safe Transit, in 2008 the MTA launched a campaign in the subway to inform riders about the dangers of sexual assaults and to make it clear that crowded trains are no excuse for inappropriate touching or conduct; and
Whereas, In addition, the MTA should post a photograph of individuals convicted of public lewdness or sexual assault in the New York City subway system, in the subway station where the individual committed the offense; and
Whereas, While public identification will not replace effective prosecution and law enforcement, it may deter further acts of sexual harassment and assault in the subway while also alerting passengers of persons to avoid; and
Whereas, Sexual assault continues to be a scourge in the subway, and is a leading quality of life issue for many New Yorkers, especially female riders on the train; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon Metropolitan Transit Authority to institute a "Wall of Shame" for sexual offenders.
LS# 4073
GZ
2/25/2013