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6/28/2024
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New law will help sexual assault victims access fund
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STATE HOUSE – A new law sponsored by Sen. Pamela J. Lauria and Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee on behalf of General Treasurer James A. Diossa will help sexual assault victims access the state fund that assists victims of violent crime with the costs they’ve faced as a result.
The legislation (2024-S 2767A, 2024-H 7449A), which Gov. Daniel McKee signed into law today following General Assembly passage June 10, enables victims of sexual assault to submit a medical forensic exam performed within 15 days of the assault by a licensed health care provider in lieu of a police report in order to establish eligibility for funds from the Crime Victim Compensation Program. The program reimburses victims for expenses resulting from crimes, such as medical and counseling costs, cleaning, relocation, loss of earnings, funeral expenses and more.
Under current law, crime victims must file a police report in order to qualify for funds through the program. But according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, 70% of sexual assaults go unreported, meaning the vast majority of sexual assault victims are unable to receive assistance through the fund.
“I have taken care of many victims of sexual assault,” said Senator Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence), who works as a nurse practitioner. “There are many reasons that victims choose not to press charges. That does not make them any less a victim. They endure so much, including expenses that the Crime Victim Compensation Fund is meant to cover. This bill gives them another avenue to qualify for help through the fund.”
Said Representative McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett), “Often when a victim of sexual assault chooses not to report the assault to the police, it is because doing so is more than they can bear. That’s a victim who very much needs help. The victim’s compensation fund should absolutely be able to provide the same assistance to them as it would to any other victim of sexual assault.”
The sponsors noted that a medial forensic exam conducted following sexual assault is one of the most invasive medical exams that exist, and that no one would undergo one without need. The expense of that exam would be something the Crime Victim Compensation Program would cover.
“This groundbreaking effort broadens the Crime Victim Compensation Program to sexual assault survivors,” said General Treasurer Diossa, whose office administers the Crime Victim Compensation Program. “By allowing survivors to use a medical forensic exam in lieu of a traditional police report, we are working to empower more victims to seek the financial support necessary during a traumatic time in their lives.”
“I applaud the General Treasurer and his team, as well as the bill sponsors and our partners in the General Assembly, for putting forth this legislation, which can help support victims on their path to recovery,” said Governor McKee. “Rhode Island stands with victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and all other violent crimes, and we will continue our work to on their behalf.”
Under another law enacted by the General Assembly this year, the fund can now provide up to $1,000 in financial assistance to help victims improve security in their homes. That bill (2024-H 7747B, 2024-S 2777A) sponsored by Rep. Justine A. Caldwell (D-Dist. 30, East Greenwich, West Greenwich) and Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) on Treasurer Diossa’s behalf, could be of particular help to the same victims who would be helped by this bill, since fear of retaliation by the perpetrator is a common reason that victims decline to pursue criminal charges.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of violent crime in Rhode Island and you need assistance, the Crime Victim Compensation Program may be able to help. More information about the program can be found at RICVCP.com or by calling (401) 462-7655.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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