PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — After more than four decades of fighting against sexual abuse and advocating for victims, Peg Langhammer will be retiring as the executive director of Day One in September.
Day One is an organization that works to reduce the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence through advocacy and services including a 24-hour helpline, counseling and community-based prevention education.
“It has been my honor to serve as Day One’s Executive Director for over 40 years,” Langhammer said in a press release. “Looking back, I am amazed at how far we have come as a country in discussing sexual violence, but there is still so much more to do.”
“I’m confident that the organization is in a great position to continue its critical work supporting and advocating for Rhode Islanders in need,” she continued.
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Langhammer has spent decades advocating for victims in Rhode Island. In the 1970s, she worked with legislators to update antiquated rape laws, and in the 1980s, she worked to make marital rape a crime in the state.
Langhammer event went to jail to protect a victim’s privacy. In 1983, Day One says it received a subpoena for a victim’s record. Langhammer was found in contempt of court when she refused to turn the record over. As a result, Langhammer spent a night in the ACI until the victim willingly released her record to the court.
Langhammer has also advocated for victims at the national level, including testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C., on how to better address sexual assault on college campuses.
More recently, Langhammer worked to pass legislation extending the civil statute of limitations. She is also currently working to develop legislation combatting “deep fake pornography.”
“Peg Langhammer’s impact on the fight against sexual violence in Rhode Island cannot be overstated. Her leadership, unwavering dedication, and tireless advocacy have transformed the landscape of sexual assault response and prevention in our state,” Day One Board President Peter Loescher said. “We are immensely grateful for Peg’s decades of service and the lasting legacy she leaves behind.”
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While Langhammer is stepping down from her role as executive director, she said she plans to remain connected to Day One by helping with fundraising and advocating at the state house.