Va. Governor Youngkin Signs Three RAINN-supported Bills Into Law
In a sweeping show of survivor-centered legislative progress, Monday, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin signed into law three RAINN-supported bills that give survivors of sexual violence tools they need to seek justice and healing.
“Virginia empowered survivors with these new laws,” says RAINN Director of State Legislative Affairs, Mollie Montague. “Whether it is protecting themselves and their children from a rapist, or seeking care after an assault, the law in Virginia now has their back.”
The trio of new laws has been a priority for RAINN’s state-based legislative efforts to advance protections and support options for not only survivors but also their families. H.B. 1727 empowers survivors to challenge rapists’ paternity rights. Prior to this law passing, Virginia forced survivors to co-parent with their rapists. H.B. 1727, led by Delegate Karrie Delaney, changes that.
Many survivors hesitate to seek help after sexual assault because they fear arrest for drug or alcohol-related offenses. H.B. 2117 removes barriers to reporting sexual assault. Led by Delegate Karen Keys-Gamara, this law now expands legal protections for those who report sexual violence by ensuring that survivors cannot be arrested or prosecuted for simple possession or alcohol misdemeanors when seeking medical or legal assistance after experiencing assault. Fear should never stop a survivor from seeking help.
The final law tackles the geographic reality that many Virginians live far from trained medical professionals or face long ER wait times when they should be receiving care. H.B. 2088/S.B. 1041 expands access to forensic medical care for survivors. H.B. 2088/ S.B. 1041, led by Delegate Irene Shin and Senator Russet W. Perry, establishes the new Virginia Forensic Nursing Advisory Council. This council will strengthen access to trauma-informed forensic medical care, increase the number of trained forensic examiners, and expand access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners through telemedicine.
“We thank the survivors who bravely came forward to advocate, as well as the sponsors of these three bills for shepherding them to the Governor’s desk, and Governor Youngkin for signing these critical protections for survivors into law,” says Montague.
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About RAINN
RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, help organizations improve their sexual assault prevention and response programs, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, free, confidential help is available 24/7 by calling 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visiting online.RAINN.org.
Contact:
Erinn Robinson
Director of Media Relations
media@rainn.org