By DONNA SCHAIBLEY
State Representative
Approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men in Indiana experience sexual violence in their lifetimes. It is a crime that can leave a victim with physical and emotional scars that can take years to heal.
Steps are being taken to support survivors as they seek justice through legislation I sponsored that would connect survivors to professional support and guidance through every step of the legal process.
Senate Enrolled Act 146 gives survivors the right to consult with a victim advocate before undergoing a forensic medical exam, reporting the crime to a police officer and while working with an attorney to understand potential consequences in every decision made, at no cost. These trained individuals can also connect victims with services to treat mental and physical trauma.
Sexual assault is a crime that can cause victims to suffer physical injury, depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. Through every step of the legal process, survivors are sharing some of the most intimate details about an invasive and sensitive crime committed against them, and it is crucial they have rights when seeking justice.
Recovering from sexual assault can be a difficult, confusing and overwhelming, and the goal of this legislation is to help survivors feel supported when they recount a traumatizing experience.
SEA 146 is now eligible for action by the governor for consideration as a new law.
I am honored to join State Reps. Sharon Negele of Attica and Wendy McNamara of Evansville in ensuring sexual assault survivors receive professional assistance and connect to services as they need to heal and seek justice.
State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) represents House District 24, which includes portions of Boone and Hamilton counties.