Wasserman Schultz Statement on Introduction of Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) issued the following statement today after she introduced the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act:

“For too long, sexual assault survivors have had to navigate a confusing patchwork of laws and regulations that have not done enough to help them access justice. They have had to fight for their forensic medical exams and rape kits, battle their way through confusing state laws, and defend their conduct – even though they were the victim of a crime. These survivors have already had the fight of their lives, and it is unconscionable that in many cases, their pursuit of justice is another one.

“I am proud to have introduced the Sexual Assault Survivor Rights Act with my colleague, Rep. Lamar Smith, to ensure that survivors have the right to not be charged for a forensic exam, the right to 60 days’ notice prior to the destruction of a rape kit, and the right to have a rape kit preserved throughout a state’s entire statute of limitations. Survivors of sexual assault deserve a federal law that guarantees them these basic rights. We owe our survivors much more than the broken status quo that has delayed or denied them justice against their attacker. I thank Rep. Smith for joining me in this critical work and Senator Jeanne Shaheen for spearheading this effort in the Senate.

“This legislation helps to preserve victims’ rights and ensure that their offenders can be prosecuted. I appreciate working with Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and Senator Shaheen on this bill and thank them for their efforts,” said Rep. Lamar Smith.

“I’m happy to see the House introduce the Sexual Assault Survivor Rights Act, which would empower survivors of sexual assault across the country,” said Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), who authored and introduced the bill in the Senate. “It’s time to change the culture around how survivors are treated in our criminal justice system. Far too many survivors experience a criminal justice system that’s working against them, not for them. This legislation, which was overwhelmingly passed in the Senate last month, is a meaningful step forward in the pursuit of justice for survivors who too often are faced with opaque procedures at a time when all they seek is clarity. Thank you Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz and Congressman Smith for introducing this important bill.”

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