Gov. Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on Tuesday that will now protect survivors of sexual abuse and hold perpetrators accountable.

“We are reassuring survivors that when they walk into a police station or approach the witness stand that the full weight of the law is behind them now going forward,” Hochul said.

Since taking office, Hochul has made it a priority to support the survivors by implementing new protections for survivors and crack down on human trafficking.

“Rape will be treated like the horrific crime that it is,” she added. “The voices have been heard, and we affirm that justice will be served."

Hochul has also taken significant steps to protect individuals in the workforce from harassment and sexual assault.