Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay

SVTF- Change Legislative Initiative

CALL TO ACTION:

 ** HB 251 with our amendment passed unanimously through the first House committee- Criminal Justice!! We will need your continued support and help as it moves through committees in both the House and Senate! We will maintain updated information for this purpose----Make your voice heard!! **

The Change committee is working on an exciting legislative initiative for this 2011 session! On the Change page is the draft language of the bill created by our wonderful lobbyist Louis Betz and Change chair Emily. We are working on getting this attached as an amendment to the sexual violence omnibus of Florida Council Against Sexual Violence, HB 251 sponsored by Senator Mike Fasano and Representative Chris Dorworth. That information is here: http://www.fcasv.org/policy/state-legislative-priorities#Offenses.

Key points of the FCASV omnibus:

1. Rape Crisis Program Trust Fund enhancement: rape crisis centers are extremely underfunded and understaffed from last year’s cuts, and cannot meet victims’ needs with the current resources. Additionally, there are SV crimes not currently included in the fund that need to be included and covered.

2. Admit evidence of prior sex crimes: in a criminal case of, this would allow admission of evidence of prior sex crimes.

3. Broader collection of evidence: many emergency rooms are still not equipped to provide forensic exams, and this would provide the option for victims whether they feel ready to report or not.

4. Relocation for victims of sex crimes: with a certification of need obtained from a rape crisis center.

5. Video voyeurism: 1 year window in statute of limitations once evidence surfaces in video voyeurism case. (By the time enough evidence is gathered in these types of cases, the statute of limitations has run out).

6. Limit child pornography access to defendant, and hold such evidence securely.

7. Include internet safety in comprehensive health education in public schools.

8. HIV testing of offenders: within 48 hours of an information or indictment being filed. (Current FL law leaves us out of compliance with VAWA and affects ability to receive Grants to Encourage Arrest Funds).

Our Amendment: 

• Ensure the responding officer provides, or arranges for, transportation to the proper rape crisis facility.

• A signed statement from the victim verifying the accuracy of the report.

• A 72 hour period within which a victim can add to or amend the initial report.

We want to lend our support to the excellent FCASV legislation. We will be preparing to lobby and request your support and involvement in emails and phone calls to your legislators. We will have all the necessary contact information and a template so YOU can make a difference against sexual violence in just minutes with the click of a button!

If you are interested in becoming more involved in legislative issues, or would like to share your story (anonymously if you choose) in regards to reporting rape in the legal system, please don’t hesitate to contact me!

Emily

Change Chair

tocci.emily@gmail.com