MADISON – A bill written by Rep. Mark Radcliffe (D–Black River Falls) has been approved by the Wisconsin State Assembly and is one step closer to becoming law. The bill, which passed with broad bi-partisan support, strengthens the state’s laws to protect some of our most vulnerable crime victims, victims of sexual assault crimes.
“After an attack, victims need to know someone is looking out for them,” says Radcliffe. “This bill strengthens sexual assault victims’ right to privacy and I hope, gives them some support to report these reprehensible crimes. We hear too much about all the rights afforded to those who commit crimes. This law turns the balances back to the way it should be by protecting those who need it most, the victims.”
The bill, also known as The Victim Privacy Protection Act prohibits a court from ordering a victim of a sexual assault related crime to be subjected to a mental exam to assess their credibility as a condition of allowing the victim to testify in court and prevents a victim from having to submit to a pre-trial interview unless necessary to preserve testimony because the victim would be unable to attend the trial.
The bill also makes personally identifiable information about a sexual assault victim on a crime victim compensation report confidential. This encourages victims to apply for the compensation they rightfully deserve. It also creates a Civil Rape Shield Law that prevents an attacker from introducing evidence that discloses the victim’s sexual history.
“It is important to remember that these individuals are victims of a terrible crime.” said Radcliffe. “Those who commit these crimes shouldn’t be given the platform to drag their victims through the mud to discredit and intimidate them. This bill empowers victims and protects them court-room tactics that prevent many victims from coming forward.”
The bill now heads to the State Senate for a public hearing and eventual vote.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|