As the deadline approaches, proponents of a bill that would establish a sexual assault survivors’ bill of rights in New York hope Gov. Andrew Cuomo will sign the measure into law.
The legislation was sponsored by Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas and state Sen. Kemp Hannon. It passed both chambers with unanimous support.
The main objective of the sexual assault survivors’ bill of rights is to inform victims of their rights, which includes the ability to receive a free forensic examination and access to emergency contraception. It would also ensure survivors can contact law enforcement for information on their rape kits and would establish the victim’s right to notice. The provision would require survivors to be notified if their rape kit is analyzed and whether a DNA match was found.
The measure also provides survivors with the right to consult with a rape crisis counselor before a forensic examination or police interview.
Earlier this month, Simotas urged Cuomo to sign the legislation.
