Res. No. 1345 Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature and the Governor to enact S.1507/A.505, which would permit reimbursement by the New York State Crime Victims Board for survivors of rape and sexual assault who do not report the incidents to criminal justice agencies, but do present themselves for treatment at medical facilities that provide forensic physical examinations for victims of rape and sexual assault. Body By Council Members Robles, Freed and Quinn; also Council Members Carrion, Lasher, Michels and Robinson Whereas, Survivors of rape and sexual assault face a myriad of personal and psychological problems associated with the violent nature of the crime; and Whereas, Those survivors of rape and sexual assault who are uninsured or underinsured are faced with significant costs for medical treatment; and Whereas, In addition to medical costs associated with the violent nature of the crimes of rape and sexual assault, the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute in July, 1998 recommended offering HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) as soon as possible after a sexual assault where significant exposure to HIV may have occurred; and Whereas, The guidelines recommend that PEP be continued for a total of four weeks; and Whereas, The Greater New York Hospital Association estimates that a four-week PEP regimen (which consists of HIV combination therapy, plus additional fees for medical treatment) costs approximately $2000; and Whereas, Currently, the New York State Crime Victims Board will only reimburse sexual assault survivors who are uninsured or who do not have prescription benefits if the survivor reports the assault to a criminal justice agency, defined in Section 631 of the New York State Executive Law as the police or district attorney's office or any other governmental agency having responsibility for the enforcement of the criminal laws of the state; and Whereas, Due to a variety of personal, cultural or psychological reasons, survivors of rape and sexual assault may not choose to report the crime to criminal justice agencies, yet they seek medical attention; and Whereas, Legislation S-1507/A-505 would amend the definition of a criminal justice agency as defined in the New York State Executive Law Section 631, to include medical facilities that provide forensic physical examinations for victims of rape and sexual assault; and Whereas, This amendment would have the effect of permitting survivors of rape and sexual assaults to be reimbursed by the state Crime Victims Board; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature and the Governor to enact S-1507/A-505, which would permit reimbursement by the New York State Crime Victims Board for survivors of rape and sexual assault who do not report the incidents to criminal justice agencies, but do present themselves for treatment at medical facilities that provide forensic physical examinations for victims of rape and sexual assault.