Yonkers Insider: 2024 Campaign Trail: Press Release: For Immediate Release: Westchester DA Candidate Susan Cacace Backs New Legislation to Aid Sexual Assault Victims.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2024. ***PRESS RELEASE***   Westchester DA Candidate Susan Cacace Backs New Legislation to Aid Sexual Assault Victims. Cacace Pledges Vigorous Prosecution of Sex Crimes if Elected. Susan Cacace, the endorsed Democratic candidate for Westchester District Attorney who spent 14 years presiding over Sex Offense Court as a County Court Judge, supports legislative efforts designed to make it easier for victims of sexual assault to find justice. Recently introduced legislation by Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblywoman Amy Paulin would allow New York State Courts to make evidence of prior sexual offenses admissible at trial.  This legislative move follows the reversal of Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction by New York's highest court. The conviction was overturned because the judge in Weinstein's trial admitted testimony based on allegations unrelated to the case. Despite this setback, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office has announced plans to retry Weinstein. Cacace emphasized the importance of this legislative change, stating, “Evidence of other sexual assaults by the abuser should be admissible in court as long as it doesn't create an unfair bias. Victims should not be silenced. Our legal system must evolve to better support survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. This legislation is a step in that direction.”  Cacace, if elected as District Attorney, pledges to prioritize the prosecution of sex crimes and ensure that victims are supported. She said, “If elected DA, I will do everything in my power to make sure that sex crimes are vigorously prosecuted and that survivors of these heinous crimes get the justice they deserve.” Paid for by Cacace for DA. #cacace4da