Stories about harm should be told with survivors at the center. Award-winning photographer, curator, and writer Laylah Barrayn joins our Art for Change series to share the tools and techniques she uses to tell honest stories that are rooted in the humanity, dignity, and justice of her subjects.

Our carceral system is a direct result of the racist history and policies of the US. It's not only an issue with sentencing: once in prison, Black people are more likely to be disciplined, and less likely to be granted parole than their white counterparts.

We commend Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature for including critical victim compensation reforms in the final budget, but the progress is not enough. We must build on this momentum to ensure that ALL survivors are met with compassion, not judgment, when seeking healing and support.

Prisons are built to keep people safe, but they’ve torn families apart. This Women’s History Month, we are spotlighting the female abolitionists who’ve fought to show that real safety comes from changing the system, not putting people in cages. 🧵

Did you know that Black & brown survivors are denied funds set aside to support them because of ‘where they were’ or ‘who they are’? It’s time to end this injustice. Join our panelists to explore how we can help ALL survivors get the support they deserve. RSVP today 🔗 www.tinyurl.com/cvrwwebinar

NEW: “People change. Our laws must, too.” Former DOCCS Commissioner Brian Fischer calls on NY lawmakers to pass the Second Look Act, Earned Time Act & Marvin Mayfield Act. Take action now 📢 bit.ly/cncny

We're glad to see critical victim compensation reforms in Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed budget. Now it's time for New York to put #SurvivorsFirst and make sure that ALL victims of crime receive the support they deserve.

2025 is here and so are you. When the world feels overwhelming, grounding can remind us we’re here, now, and capable. Try this simple exercise to start your year grounded and ready.

Jordan Neely deserved to live. Last Monday when New York courts acquitted Daniel Penny, it was a reminder of how deeply broken the system is. Read about how we can demand real change after his tragic murder in our blog 🔗 commonjustice.org/blog/a-subway-murder-highlights-the-failings-of-a-system

Let's talk about harm...the right way. Narratives about violence too often use harmful stereotypes, center law enforcement, and don't tell the full story about the people involved. This can marginalize people rather than support them as they go through a life changing event. Let's put people first.