LANSING - State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) today was joined by a panel of medical experts and mental health professionals as she detailed her new legislation that creates the Sexual Assault Victims' Medical Forensic Intervention and Treatment Act. The act establishes funding for organizations that perform evidence-gathering for prosecutions of sexual assault victims and services to treat physical and psychological trauma.
"We must do everything we can to combat the destructive crime of sexual assault and protect those who fall victim to these heinous acts," Donigan said. "My legislation will fund programs that ensure that victims receive treatment while specially-trained nurse examiners gather the evidence that could lead to their assailant's prosecution."
Donigan explained that the fund would be established with money raised through an increase in the fines and assessments assigned to both adult and juvenile criminals. The increased fees would go to the Justice System Fund. The fund is split between a large number of police and corrections entities on a percentage basis. The Sexual Assault Victims' Medical Forensic Intervention and Treatment Fund would receive 2.74 percent of the fund distributions as a result of the increase in fines.
The state's Domestic Violence and Treatment Board will distribute funds to entities that perform the procedures required by sexual assault evidence kits; provide specialized assistance to victims; operate in a partnership with a local sexual assault crisis counselor; comply with the standards and practices of the International Association of Forensic Nurse Examiners or its successor organization; provide access to forensic medical intervention and treatment services 24 hours a day; and provide for forensic medical intervention training and technical assistance for staff members.
"This legislation will improve the delivery of emergency care to sexual assault victims and assist us in restoring the health and well-being of sexual assault victims by treating their physical and psychological trauma," said Beth Morrison, Executive Director of HAVEN, OaklandCounty's nationally recognized non-profit that promotes violence-free communities. "This collaboration recognizes sexual assault as a serious crime which requires immediate attention. HAVEN is pleased to have worked with Representative Donigan on this extremely important piece of legislation."