JEFFERSON CITY — State Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, has filed legislation to ensure all survivors of sexual assault have access to the proper forensic examination and evidence collection, commonly called ‘rape kits.’
“We must do everything we can to help survivors of sexual assault achieve justice,” Sen. Schupp said. “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. 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.”
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. This results in a difficult decision for the survivor to forego evidence collection, have to drive great distances to another hospital, or to have a kit that doesn’t meet court evidence standards.
Senate Bill 951 would establish the “The Justice for Survivors Act” to establish a telehealth network of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. Hospitals without a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner on staff would be able to seek professional consultation through this telehealth network, allowing hospitals access 24 hours a day, seven days a week to appropriate professional assistance. This 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.