Senate OKs bill to help sexual assault victims access fund
STATE HOUSE – The Senate today approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Pamela J. Lauria to help sexual assault victims access the state fund that provides financial assistance to help victims of violent crime with the costs they’ve faced as a result.
The legislation (2024-S 2767A) would enable victims of sexual assault to submit a medical forensic exam performed within 15 days of the assault by a licensed health care provider in lieu of a police report in order to establish eligibility for funds from the Crime Victim Compensation Program. The program reimburses victims for expenses resulting from crimes, such as medical and counseling costs, cleaning, relocation, loss of earnings, funeral expenses and more.
Senator Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) submitted the legislation on behalf of General Treasurer James A. Diossa, whose office administers the Crime Victim Compensation Program.
Under current law, crime victims must file a police report in order to qualify for funds through the program. But according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, 70% of sexual assaults go unreported, meaning the vast majority of sexual assault victims are unable to receive assistance through the fund.
“I have taken care of many victims of sexual assault,” said Senator Lauria, who works as a nurse practitioner. “There are many reasons that victims choose not to press charges. That does not make them any less a victim. They endure so much, including expenses that the Crime Victim Compensation Fund is meant to cover. This bill gives them another avenue to qualify for help through the fund.”
Senator Lauria noted that a medial forensic exam conducted following sexual assault is one of the most invasive medical exams that exist, and that no one would undergo one without need. The expense of that exam would be something the Crime Victim Compensation Program would cover, she added.
The legislation now goes to the House of Representatives, where Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett) is sponsoring companion legislation (2024-H 7449).
The federal government is now the third-longest in U.S. history as it drags on into another week. Democratic lawmakers remain dug in on efforts to extend healthcare subsidies while Republicans are demanding the government reopen before any negotiations. The Senate will meet this afternoon to try for an eleventh time to end the shutdown, which started October 1st. 
