Freedom4SurvivorsTN: Legislative & Victim Advocacy

Established in 1978, Sexual Assault Center (SAC) has provided this care for more than 36,000 children and adults in our community. SAC is a state and federally funded non-profit organization serving victims/survivors of sexual assault and educating communities across the state; we are a nonpartisan organization, as our work provides hope and healing to all... regardless of their backgrounds.

The effects of rape are numerous and varied and can last a lifetime, with serious adverse effects on a victim/survivor’s physical and mental/emotional health, education, employment, and the economic well-being of individuals, families and communities. 

According to a study conducted by the CDC in 2017, the average lifetime cost of rape is $122,461. This is a combination of medical bills, therapy, missed productivity at work, property damage/loss during the assault, etc. SAC and our partners are working hard to help alleviate that financial burden for victim/survivors through our emergency fund like Pepper's Fund, and through legislation to better care for survivors after they are assaulted.

 

Since the overturning of Roe v Wade, Sexual Assault Center has worked hard on legislation that would protect victim/survivors and provide them the most autonomy possible after such a traumatizing experience. SAC works with legislators from all parties because victim advocacy, not politics, is core to the mission of SAC.

This legislative season, in partnership with several stakeholders across Middle Tennessee, SAC has three pieces of legislation we're focusing on to improve the lives of sexual assault survivors:

• HB2595 (Rep. Iris Rudder, Sen. Farrell Haile) Remedies and Special Proceedings - Increases from $1,000 to $1,500 the compensation claim amount that may be reimbursed to a healthcare provider for performing a forensic medical examination on a victim of a sexual assault case.
  • The cost to provide a SAFE is more than the reimbursement rate.
  • We must fundraise at least $35,000 annually to cover the difference between the cost of providing exams and reimbursement from the state. 
• HB2216 (Rep. Sam Whitson, Sen. Page Walley) Statutes of Limitations and Repose - Extends the statute of limitations for injuries to a person 18+ years of age relating to sexual assault to 3 years or 5 years depending on if law enforcement was notified of the assault.
  • Survivors need more flexibility in making decisions and to ensure they have all the necessary information when they're ready. 
• HB1875 (Rep. Bob Freeman, Sen Heidi Campbell) Victims' Rights - Increases from 48 hours to 7 days the time in which a victim of a crime or a member of the victim's family has to report the crime to law enforcement to be eligible to receive a claim for compensation unless good cause is shown. 

We'll continue to update the public as we move forward on ways to engage. If you're interested in getting more involved in our legislative efforts, please complete this form and a member of our team will get back with you as soon as possible.

Here are some bills we've helped pass so far:

• HB0686 (Sen. Heidi Campbell & Rep. Bob Freeman) Victim's Rights: Advocate Confidentiality Bill - As introduced, prohibits disclosure of certain information by an advocate in regard to a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking in a judicial, legislative, or administrative proceeding unless the victim gives express written consent. - Amends TCA Title 24; Title 36 and Title 39.
• SB 0022 (Sen. Becky Massey & Rep. Elaine Davis) SART Bill - As introduced, requires each local law enforcement agency to assemble, by January 1, 2024, an adult sexual assault response team to assist in responding to incidents of sexual assault with adult victims that occur within the agency's jurisdiction; requires each team to include members with expertise in a variety of disciplines relevant to sexual assault response.

Thank you for your support and helping make these bills possible for victim/survivors in our state! Please visit Freedom4SurvivorsTN to get more information on next steps and to stay up-to-date on what SAC is doing.