Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence Passes Missouri Senate
JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Andrew Koenig, R-Manchester, along with his fellow senators, passed Senate Bill 569 to bring justice for survivors of sexual assault. This legislation aims to strengthen investigations and prosecution of rapists and sexual abusers by adding reforms to the handling, tracking and processing of sexual assault forensic evidence (SAFE) kits in Missouri.
“Even in the midst of this global pandemic, we cannot forget the victims of sexual violence. Their voices have been silenced for too long. Today, their voices are finally being heard,” Sen Koenig said. “Now, it’s the responsibility of the House to get this legislation to the Governor’s desk to become law.”
The Missouri attorney general’s SAFE Kits Initiative Inventory Report found that more than 6,000 SAFE kits –nearly 90 percent of Missouri’s backlogged rape kits – remain untested. Even more concerning is some of the thousands of SAFE kits found to be untested are located in St. Louis County hospitals and municipal police departments.
“There are thousands of untested SAFE kits sitting in hospitals and police departments across the state and each one represents an individual who deserves to have their kit tested and their case investigated,” Sen. Koenig said.
In addition to the SAFE kit tracking system, Senate Bill 812 was added to SB 569. This language establishes the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights, which includes rights and protections for survivors of sexual assault during any medical examination and interactions with law enforcement, the prosecuting attorney and the defense attorney. Senate Bill 951 was also added to SB 569. This language establishes the Justice for Survivors Act, which provides access to sexual assault nurse examiners.
“Today, we are one step closer to providing justice for thousands of survivors of sexual assault,” Sen. Koenig said. “With this legislation, we can further protect victims of sexual assault and give them the resources and support they need to resolve their case. For far too long, victims of sexual assault have been treated like second class citizens. Every victim of sexual assault deserves justice, and I believe this legislation is a step in the right direction.”
Senate Bill 569 will now be sent to the Missouri House of Representatives for their consideration.
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