Feministing pointed out a great new blog: FWD/Forward (feminists with disabilities for a way forward). FWD recently linked to this old post from Hoyden About Town on barriers faced by disabled female survivors of sexual assault. The post is based on an Australian report, and I recommend checking out both.

The NY Daily News reports today on the unveiling of a “new rape kit” for use in New York state. The rape kit, or the way in which DNA evidence is collected from rape survivors, has not changed since it was first standardized in the 1980s, but advances in DNA technology has led to the development of a more comprehensive (and thankfully, inclusive) procedure:

The new kit allows examiners to take many more DNA samples from different parts of the body, involves a more comprehensive examination and also addresses male victims.

Some important/cool events and activist opportunities coming up in NYC:

First a reminder that tonight is CUNY’s Town Hall Meeting on the proposed new sexual assault policy.

On October 28, two things to remember: It’s National Comprehensive Sexual Education Call-In Day. I’ve written before about how sex ed can play an important role in challenging rape culture, and I encourage folks to follow the instructions found at feministing:

You can find information and tools for organizing a Call-In Day here. You can also sign on to a petition in support of the REAL Act which would authorize funding for comprehensive sexuality education.

The 28th is also first focus group meeting of the Pro-Choice Public Education Project’s RISE Initiative.

Are you a young woman of color who wants to speak freely about your health and sexuality? Are you interested in talking about issues that affect your body, your peers, and your community? Do you feel that health care providers could improve the services that they currently offer you?”

We want to hear from you! Join the Pro-Choice Public Education Project (PEP) for the pilot focus group of the RISE Initiative. Just launched this fall, RISE aims to provide a space for young people of all backgrounds to speak openly and engage in conversation about reproductive health and rights.

Full details after the cut.

The RISE Initiative plans to conduct a series of focus groups throughout the country in order to raise the voices of young people. Based in part on the information from the focus groups, PEP and our allies are working to organize a Young People’s Assembly on Reproductive Justice at the United States Social Forum in 2010. RISE will provide leadership opportunities, create resources, and engage communities in the move towards reproductive health, rights, and justice.

WHAT: Discussion with young women of color between the ages of 16-24 about healthcare, sexuality, and your community.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 28th, 6 – 8:30 PM Dinner will be provided!

WHERE: PEP’s office – 1 Liberty Plaza in downtown Manhattan (more detailed info will be provided when you RSVP).

If you are interested in participating, please respond by Friday October 23rd to with the following information:

1. Your name:
2. Email address:
3. Phone number:
4. How you found out about this:
5. Organizations you are involved with:
6. Any special needs (child care, transportation help):
7. Any dietary needs we should be aware of