Senate Passes Greenleaf's Sexual Violence Victim Protection Act

HARRISBURG - On Monday, May 2nd, the Pennsylvania State Senate unanimously approved Senator Greenleaf's Sexual Violence Victim Protection Act (SB 58).  The legislation would allow a victim of sexual assault to petition the court, requesting protection from the defendant.

Only 28 percent of victims of sexual violence report their victimization to law enforcement.  Even when victims do report, many cases are not prosecuted because of the burden of proof or problems with the evidence.  Traumatized and fearful, victims of sexual assault need orders of protection to help keep them safe from perpetrators.

This legislation would allow a victim who has not sought criminal charges to petition a court to order protection from an individual—a current option for victims of domestic violence.

A protection order would prohibit a defendant from having any contact with a plaintiff, direct them to not harass or stalk the victim, and provide for any other appropriate relief.

Julie Dugery, spokesperson for the Bucks County Network of Victim Assistance (av) said, "Each year, numerous sexual assault victims in Bucks County are devastated to learn that they are not eligible to apply for a Protection From Abuse Order in Pennsylvania.  Currently, the system provides different safety options to sexual assault survivors based on the relationship of the offender.  In Pennsylvania, a rape victim, who was assaulted by a neighbor, coach, babysitter or co-worker, is not able to obtain a Protection From Abuse Order.  This legislation would ensure that all sexual assault survivors are afforded the same options for protection and safety.  The Network of Victim Assistance fully supports this important legislation."

Nineteen states have already passed similar legislation.

"This is a critical piece of legislation to protect victims of sexual violence," said Senator Greenleaf.  "I hope that the House of Representatives will finally send this bill to the governor's desk."

The legislation was drafted with the assistance of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR).