An Eastern Wisconsin state legislator has introduced the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights.
Senator Andre Jacque of New Franken joined forces with Representative Dave Murphy of Greenville to bring the measure back before the legislature.
The measure aims to add five specific rights for victims of sexual assault.
- To have his or her kit tested in accordance with statutory timelines.
- Upon request, to be informed of the location, testing date, and testing results of the sexual assault kit.
- Upon request, to be informed whether a deoxyribonucleic acid analysis has been performed on the kit and, if an analysis has, whether or not a deoxyribonucleic acid profile has been developed and whether a comparison of the profile to profiles of known persons has identified a person.
- Upon request, to be informed of the estimated destruction date of the sexual assault kit.
- To be informed of any change in the status of his or her case, including if the case has been closed or reopened.
Sen Jacque noted in the announcement, “Tragically, every 92 seconds an American is sexually assaulted, and 1 in 5 women in the US are raped within their lifetime… Statutorily establishing these rights will help ensure victims of sexual violence are accorded the dignity, respect and ability to pursue justice that they deserve.”
