Press Releases

 

WASHINGTON, DC – As Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month comes to a close, today Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), Rep. Ann Wagner (MO-02), and Rep. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) proudly introduced the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights Resolution.

 

This resolution encourages all states to adopt a comprehensive set of legal and civil protections for survivors of sexual assault. Protections such as the right to know the results of a survivor’s rape kit test and the right to be notified in writing of the nearest rape crisis center are fundamental to survivors’ recovery and pursuit of justice, but are currently sparsely and inconsistently guaranteed at the state level. The resolution offered today by a bipartisan group of women in the House of Representatives encourages to change that.

 

“In many cases across the country, survivors of abuse and assault lack sufficient access to vital services and treatment like emotional counseling, health services, and legal aid. The bipartisan Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights Resolution addresses this concern and sends a clear message to survivors everywhere that they deserve equal treatment and that they are not alone,” said Rep. Moore.

 

“This resolution urges states to adopt common-sense policies to protect the civil rights of sexual assault survivors, empower them with the knowledge and support needed to recover, and help ensure all survivors, regardless of zip code, aren’t re-victimized when they come forward,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz.

 

“The survivors of sexual assault deserve a uniform set of procedures to support and inform them of their rights during the difficult road to recovery.  By urging states to adopt procedures that protect survivors’ basic right to information, efficiency and fairness, this resolution shows that Congress takes the issue of sexual assault and rape seriously,” said Rep. Wagner. 

 

“Victims of sexual assault need support, protection, and assurance of rights and state and local officials are best positioned to ensure they receive the help they need.  Our resolution encourages states to offer these assurances and help these survivors progress on a path to healing,” said Rep. Lummis. 

 

The following organizations are proud to endorse the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights Resolution: RISE, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, National Domestic Violence Hotline, National Center for Victims of Crime, National Children’s Alliance.