Policy and Advocacy
Advocating for policies and practices that forge a path to safety, justice and hope for survivors
Fundamental Change for a Survivor-Centered Justice System
The Policy and Advocacy Department collaborates with survivors, non-profit organizations, lawmakers, law enforcement, government officials and advocates to help the justice system transform to face evolving challenges and continue to better protect and support survivors in their pursuit of justice.
This work fills key gaps by working to end the rape kit backlog, eliminate the statute of limitations, ensure victim compensation and prevent and respond to image-based abuse. The Joyful Heart Foundation’s policy and advocacy work takes fundamental steps needed to create lasting reforms in the justice system to ensure ongoing support for all survivors.
Areas of Focus
End The Backlog
End the Backlog exists to eliminate the backlog of untested rape kits and prevent a backlog from happening again. ETB has transformed the landscape around this issue, and we now celebrate 145.6 million people currently living in states with full reform.Learn how we are continuing to push comprehensive reform in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Reducing Barriers to Victim Compensation
Access to victim compensation means survivors have crucial support as they reckon with and heal from the effects of trauma. However, the barriers in place to receiving this support are often insurmountable. We are working to eliminate these barriers and build a frictionless pathway to victim compensation.
Confronting and Preventing Image-Based Abuse
The Image-Based Abuse Initiative seeks to establish a framework for preventing and responding to the creation and dissemination of all non-consensual intimate images. Through legislative tools, awareness campaigns and advocacy for the rights of those affected, we are working to support healing and protect autonomy over one’s image and body.
Eliminating the Statute of Limitations
Statute of limitations policies for sexual assault, domestic violence and child abuse protect perpetrators, harm survivors and allow the justice system, and society, to turn away from violence and abuse. We know that healing from trauma does not have a set timeline and that it can take years for survivors to recognize their trauma and decide to pursue justice. Ending statute of limitations policies for these crimes is a necessary step in building a survivor-centered justice system.
Policy Webinars
Raising awareness among policymakers and survivors about current issues and legal solutions is central to Joyful Heart’s work toward a more survivor-centered justice system. Our policy webinar series offers expert insight into the transformative policy work our team and partners are implementing to reshape the legislative landscape.
Building for Survivor-Centered Justice
Learn how you can help us build systemic change for a safer, more supportive world.
