By: Michaela Paukner, [email protected]//October 18, 2019//
By: Michaela Paukner, [email protected]//October 18, 2019//
The Wisconsin Department of Justice would have to test sexual-assault kits within 90 days of collecting them under a new state assembly bill. The Wisconsin Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety met Thursday for an executive session and a public hearing on the proposal.
The proposed legislation would require the Department of Justice to test sexual-assault kits within 90 days of collection. The proposal would also set up a bill of rights for sexual-assault victims, giving them the right to:
The victim bill of rights would be effective whether or not a victim chooses to cooperate with law enforcement. The bill would also requires the DOJ to store sexual-assault kits.
Sen. André Jacque, R-De Pere, said the bill’s adoption would make Wisconsin the 21st state to add a bill of rights for survivors. He and Rep. Janel Brandtjen, R-Menomonee Falls, said it makes cases a priority and provides support for victims.
“You’re dealing with victims who are almost going through a post-traumatic stress situation,’ said Brandtjen. “Having the ability to have it in a written and oral format allows them to really just begin to process after they’ve gone through incredible trauma.”
Three sexual assault survivor advocates testified in favor of the bill. They said the 90-day testing requirement would help eliminate a backlog of untested rape kits in Wisconsin. The Department of Justice reports now having more than 6,800 untested kits.