Contact: Rep. Thiesfeldt, (608) 266-3156
Rep. Taylor, (608) 266-5342
Madison – Today, Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt and Representative Chris Taylor circulated a bill that will create the Wisconsin Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System, which will allow victims of sexual assault to access information regarding the status of their sexual assault kit as it proceeds through the criminal justice process. This will be a survivor focused system that will ensure the privacy and protection of the survivor at every step, while adding a layer of autonomy that gives the survivor the ability to be informed and involved in the process. The system will help revolutionize the criminal justice process for all involved in sexual assault cases.
“Unfortunately, for so many victims, reporting their assault is just the beginning of a long road to healing and hopefully justice,” said Rep. Taylor. “This bill puts victims back in control by allowing them to securely track their sexual assault kit throughout the entire criminal justice process, from the time it is collected to its disposal. This is truly a bill to empower victims as they navigate this incredibly challenging process.”
“Sexual assault is a horrific crime that is happening way too often to girls and women, and even boys and men, in our state,” stated Rep. Thiesfeldt. “At the same time that these individuals are processing and healing from the trauma of a sexual assault, these individuals are also thrown into the criminal justice system and quickly pressed to navigate an often tricky process. This Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System bill will help all involved in the process attain surety and knowledge about where a sexual assault kit is in the criminal justice system. I am proud to stand up for victims.”
Senator Alberta Darling and Senator Patty Schachtner are the Senate lead authors on the bill. The Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System Bill is now being circulated for co-sponsors. The bill will be formally introduced in the near future and will begin going through the legislative bill-making process.
