New federal law aims to help sexual assault victims get justice - KATU

PORTLAND, Ore. — Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, according to RAINN.

"Sexual abuse can happen to any race, socioeconomic group, religion or culture, and so sexual abuse affects all of us, and together, we can stop it," said Katie Yates, campaign director with Washington Says No More.

And here in the Pacific Northwest, we've been seeing many reports of sexual assault.

On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Democrats from Washington, along with Leah Griffin, a resident of Washington and survivor advocate, celebrated legislation that will help sexual assault victims get justice.

This all started seven years ago when Griffin was denied a rape kit at the hospital. Since then, she's been fighting for this to never happen again.

"After my assault in 2014, I experienced, really, just an avalanche of systemic failures," said Griffin.

Griffin sent hundreds of emails to city, state, and national leaders.

The first person to respond was Sen. Murray.

"This very hard-fought victory for survivors," said Murray.

Key provisions of the Survivors' Access to Supportive Care Act (SASCA) were signed into law this week. It is part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

"These provisions are going to help survivors get the care they need, and deserve, by requiring the development of national standards of care for survivors of sexual assault and by strengthening the sexual assault forensic examiner workforce and expanding access to sexual assault forensic examination services," Murray said.

KATU also spoke with the group Washington Says No More, a campaign by the National Women's Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation.

They have an important message for survivors.

"The sexual assault is not your fault. The perpetrator is to blame," said Yates.

As time goes on, there are more resources available for survivors in both Oregon and Washington.

"In Portland, with the cases that are happening, in examples of abuse of power, to know that there are people that are going to support you and that you can feel safe with," Yates said.

"I get calls from survivors all the time who experienced similar issues, survivors who wait for hours and hours in the ER, and they ask me what to do. And I don’t have a great answer for them. But now I know that help is coming," said Griffin.

If you’re looking for sexual assault resources, Yates provided a list:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline Free , 24/7, anonymous: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• For free mental resources and support groups for survivors and their supporters: https://nami.org

To learn more about sexual assault prevention and resources, watch here:

source: https://katu.com/news/local/new-federal-law-aims-to-help-sexual-assault-victims-get-justice

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