More than half of the people in New Mexico report experiencing sexual violence in their lifetime. That’s over 1.1 million people in New Mexico.
Survivors deserve a voice in statewide funding and policy decisions!
The NM Survivors' Agenda highlights the top priorities for the 2026 NM legislative session that promote accountability, justice, and healing for survivors of sexual abuse and assault.
Learn about our priorities and how to take action below.
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1. Fund Sexual Assault Services
Sexual assault programs across New Mexico have used past investments to grow services, especially in rural areas, establish new programs, and support more survivors. Yet these critical resources are at risk.
To prevent a loss in services, programs need a minimum of $2 million to maintain existing services.
By securing a dedicated and sustainable funding stream, our state can provide the stability that local programs need to address the immense need in New Mexico. This investment ensures that no matter where they are in the state, survivors have access to the support they need.
2. Reform statutes of limitations for child sexual abuse
The current statutes of limitations are not in line with the reality of time it takes many survivors victimized in childhood to come forward. Many survivors need years or decades before they are able to fully understand what happened to them, disclose, and make the decision to seek justice.
The NM Survivors' Justice Act (HB151) would reform the New Mexico civil statute of limitations to ensure that survivors of child sexual abuse can seek justice when they are ready. Learn more about our efforts and join our movement to pass the HB 151 NM Survivors' Justice Act.
Senator Angel Charley is leading the efforts on SB 41 to eliminate the criminal statute of limitations for child sexual abuse crimes.
These reforms are an essential step toward survivor-centered justice, providing a path for accountability that respects the lifelong impact of abuse and ensures that the doors to justice remain open to those seeking healing and truth, no matter how much time has passed.
3. HB 292 NM Prison Rape Elimination Act
Sexual abuse in prisons is preventable. The U.S. Prison Rape Elimination Act was signed into law in 2003 with broad bi-partisan support. In New Mexico, NMCSAP, the Transgender Resource Center of NM, and many other advocates have worked with the NM Corrections Department, county jails, and juvenile facilities to implement the federal PREA standards.
The DOJ is now removing sexual abuse protections for LGBTQ people who are incarcerated. The NM State Prison Rape Elimination Act will ensure these critical protections remain in place for all people incarcerated in New Mexico.
4. SM 17 Memorial to Study the Sexual Assault Kit Backlog
Survivors who undergo a sexual assault exam take a courageous step, often in the immediate aftermath of trauma. When kits are not tested or are delayed for years, it can undermine trust in the system and compound harm for survivors who are waiting for answers.
Ten years ago, leaders, advocates, and policymakers in New Mexico began the painstaking and necessary work of addressing a backlog that had been growing for years. A decade later, it is essential we take a comprehensive look at where we are now. We deserve clear and accurate information about how kits are being collected, tracked, and tested.
A comprehensive study of the backlog and the current process will help identify ongoing gaps, barriers, and successes so we can build a system that centers survivors and accountability.
6. HR 1 Establish a Truth Commission
We support the proposed legislative “Truth Commission” to investigate the decades of abuse and human trafficking surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. For too long, systemic failures and legal loopholes allowed these horrific crimes to occur in our own backyard without accountability.
By establishing this commission, New Mexico can provide survivors and the public with the transparency they deserve. This investigation is a vital step toward healing and survivor-centered justice, offering the critical insights needed to strengthen New Mexico’s protections as well ensure prevention is at the heart of what comes after.
5. HM 10 Memorial to Study Sexual Health Education Standards
Comprehensive sexual health education is a critical component of sexual violence prevention, public health, and youth well-being. When young people have access to accurate, culturally responsive information, they are better equipped to understand consent, boundaries, healthy relationships, and how to seek help when harm occurs.
This memorial would allow the Legislative Education Study Committee to conduct a study to determine what is currently being taught across school districts, identify gaps or inconsistencies, and assess whether students are receiving the information they deserve to stay safe and healthy.
This isn’t about mandating a single curriculum. It’s about understanding what is working, what is not, and how education can better support prevention, student well-being and community health across New Mexico. Because education is of the most effective tools we have to reduce sexual violence over the long-term.
7. SB 53 NM CHISPA
For survivors of sexual violence, privacy is not abstract. Fear that private information could be shared or misused can deter survivors from seeking help, accessing medical care, or reaching out to advocacy services.
Much of our data is not protected by existing health privacy laws. Information about a survivor’s health, location, communications, or searches for support services can be collected, stored, and sold by private companies without the survivor’s knowledge or consent.
The New Mexico Community & Health Information Safety & Privacy Act will strengthen protections for sensitive personal and health information to give individuals greater control over their data and limit the ability of corporations and data brokers to collect, use, or sell deeply personal information without clear consent. Survivors should be able to make decisions about their health and healing without worrying that their personal information could be exposed or weaponized against them.