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Sexual Violence Protection Act - Senate Bill 432 (formally SB 150)

The majority of sexual assaults are committed by perpetrators known to victims. Traumatized, and fearful of repeated assaults, many victims of sexual violence are in need of orders of protection to help keep them safe from perpetrators. Yet, under current Pennsylvania law, many victims of sexual violence, such as those depicted below, are not legally protected:

• An elderly woman sexually assaulted by her caregiver
• A woman molested by her landlord who has the keys to her apartment
• A recent high school graduate sexually assaulted by a trusted neighbor
• A professional sexually assaulted by a work colleague

Currently, PA law provides protection for domestic violence victims who are assaulted by a spouse, relative, and/or intimate partner. Many sexual violence victims are not eligible for such protection because their assailants are not spouses, relatives, and/or intimate partners. Sexual violence victims who are assaulted by a stranger, acquaintance, friend, classmate, colleague, or neighbor/landlord are overlooked by existing law wand without the legal protections they deserve and need.

Senate Bill 432 was passed by the Senate in March 2007 and referred to your Judiciary committee in early May 2007. This bill will enhance the safety and effectiveness of PFA (Protection from Abuse) orders throughout the State, thereby helping to reduce sexual violence in Pennsylvania.

SB 432 amends the Protection from Abuse Act to expand protection to individuals who are victims of sexual violence. As Senator Greenleaf said in supporting passage of the bill "... a criminal complaint does not have to be filed, and the reason for that is that only 28% of victims of sexual abuse and sexual violence report their crimes but they are still subject to violence, harassment and intimidation by the perpetrator."" The bill also removes the requirement that victims pay court fees.

Sexual violence humiliates, degrades, and terrorizes victims. Victims of sexual assault need additional protection from abuse while also protecting the due process rights of all parties.

*For more information or to express your opinions on these bills, please contact your legislators. Please click on the following link to locate your specific legislators: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/find.cfm.

If you are interested in getting involved with NOVA's Public Affairs Committee, please contact Julie Dugery at 215-343-6543 or JulieD@novabucks.org.