Senate Advances Legislation to Expand Forensic Exams for Rape Survivors
JEFFERSON CITY — Survivors of sexual assault are more likely to have access to proper forensic examination and evidence collection, commonly called ‘rape kits,’ now that legislation advanced by state Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, has moved onto the House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 569, which includes Sen. Schupp’s “Justice for Survivors Act,” was approved unanimously, 31-0, in the upper chamber on Monday, April 27. Senator Schupp’s amendment establishes a telehealth network of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), who are qualified to collect evidence following an attack. The measure addresses a shortage of certified personnel at many hospitals.
“When a sexual assault survivor goes to the hospital, the first few hours are critical in ensuring that the evidence is collected and the path to healing and justice can begin,” Sen. Schupp said. “Unfortunately, many Missouri hospitals are underequipped to handle these traumatic situations. With this legislation, we can help hospitals, survivors and law enforcement put sexual predators behind bars. We must do everything we can to help survivors of sexual assault achieve justice.”
Currently, some Missouri hospitals are unable to conduct a complete forensic examination or properly collect evidence because they do not have a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner on staff. Through SB 569, hospitals without a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner on staff would be able to seek professional consultation through the telehealth network, allowing hospitals access 24 hours a day, seven days a week to appropriate professional assistance. The legislation requires all hospitals to provide a forensic examination to collect evidence upon request and consent of a victim of a sexual offense.
For more information on Sen. Schupp’s legislation, visit her official Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/schupp.