(East Harlem, NY) - Senator Serrano joined Council Member Jessica Lappin on the streets of East Harlem to raise awareness to the alarming rise in sexual assault crimes in Upper Manhattan. With NYPD crime statistics reporting a 35 percent increase in misdemeanor sex crimes in Northern Manhattan as of March 31, 2013, and 13 sexual assault complaints in East Harlem alone in 2013, Senator Serrano alongside Council Member Jessica Lappin handed out flyers with information of resources for victims of abuse.
 
“The spike in sexual assault complaints in East Harlem is jarring,” said Senator Serrano. “It’s even more concerning that there is likely under-reporting, especially among the immigrant community, which makes it even more important that we’re out here today. We must do everything in our power to ensure that victims of abuse are able to receive the resources and justice they deserve without fear,” concluded Serrano.
 
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Anyone experiencing or witnessing sexual assault should immediately contact 911 or NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS.