Granby State Sen. Witkos: Bill Passage Will Help College Sex Assault Victims

State Sen. Kevin Witkos (R-8) applauded the senate’s unanimous passage of a bill aimed at helping sexual assault victims at college campuses.

The bill, An Act Concerning Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners at Institutions of Higher Education, would extend sexual assault forensic program from six hospitals in the state to college healthcare facilities. The aim is to provide victims with quicker and more compassionate care.

Te bill will move to the state House of Representatives for a vote.

“As a former police officer I fully support the state legislature’s efforts to ensure victims have access to medical care and evidence collection needed to prosecute perpetrators of sexual assault,” said Sen. Witkos. “One of the hardest crimes I ever investigated was sexual assault. It is extremely difficult for victims to share their personal stories about rape and sexual attacks. Coming forward and not only sharing your story, but also sharing evidence that is collected through a medical examination can be a very traumatic experience.”

The health care facility must be licensed by the Department of Public Health as an infirmary operated by an education institution along with other requirements.

Sexual assault forensic examiner nurses are trained on issues such as chain of custody and courtroom testimony.