Advocating for Legislative Change to Empower and Protect Survivors of Sexual Violence

Sticky Lawyers

We've met many intriguing Sticky Lawyers who turned positive life experiences into meaningful and rewarding legal careers. But that's not always the case. Sometimes, a negative or even traumatic experience can be the impetus, which speaks volumes about the character and strength of the individual

Samantha McCoy was a young college student when a law enforcement officer sexually assaulted her. Despite facing numerous indignities in the legal system after her attack – with no justice – she channeled her personal ordeal into a mission to change laws to extend the rights of survivors of sexual violence.

In this episode, Samantha discusses how she became an outspoken legislative advocate as a law student and has worked with state and federal officials to expand survivor protections. Now an appellate attorney by day, she uses her spare time to promote state, federal, and international policy, partner with non-profits, and educate law enforcement agencies on trauma-informed practices. Prepare to be inspired.

Chapters

1. Advocating for Legislative Change to Empower and Protect Survivors of Sexual Violence (00:00:00)

2. Samantha's experience of sexual assault and treatment by law enforcement. (00:02:14)

3. Turning pain into advocacy. (00:06:53)

4. Law school and legislative success. (00:08:23)

5. Expanding advocacy to other states. (00:14:17)

6. How laws have failed sexual assault survivors. (00:17:15)

7. Differences in how sexual assault victims are treated vs. other crime victims. (00:23:42)

8. Impacting federal and international laws and policy. (00:28:57)

9. Balancing survivor advocacy and her appellate legal career. (00:32:36)

10. Training the NYPD on trauma-informed best practices. (00:35:24)

11. Current legislative efforts and future plans. (00:36:52)