Assembly Member Paulin spearheads campaign condemning alleged rape atrocities during Oct. 7 Israel attacks

Since posting her letter a few days ago, hundreds have signed on in support.  Signees include famous feminist activist Gloria Steinem, Gov. Kathy Hochul and actresses Debra Messing and Mariska Hargitay.  

Tara Rosenblum and Lee Danuff

Dec 20, 2023, 12:12 AM

Updated 358 days ago

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A Westchester lawmaker's fight to bring awareness to the alleged sexual crimes committed by Hamas during the Oct. 7 terror attacks in Israel is gaining momentum.
State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, from Scarsdale, spoke to News 12's senior reporter Tara Rosenblum about her launch of an online condemnation of rape being used as a weapon during war. 
She told Rosenblum that international groups, including the United Nations, are taking too long to address the allegations of brutal rape at the hands of Hamas terrorists.
"I just want to keep this front and center," she says.
Since posting her letter a few days ago, hundreds have signed on in support.  Signees include famous feminist activist Gloria Steinem, Gov. Kathy Hochul and actresses Debra Messing and Mariska Hargitay.  
"I would like to see the International Red Cross step up and demand to see the hostages, to ensure that they are given medications when they need it, to make sure women are not abused sexually," Paulin says.
After weeks of criticism, UN Women put out a recent statement expressing alarm over the reported sexual violence during the attacks. Paulin and the others believe it fell short. 
They say rape should never be used as an act of war - not in Israel or anywhere else in the world. 
Data shows sexual violence was reported in 95 armed conflicts dating back to 1989.