Legislation better protecting women who are victims of sexual assault is being praised by an organization that fights for the rights of victims of sexual and domestic abuse. The Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is pleased that Governor Matt Blunt (R-MO) has signed into law House Bill 583 , which addresses some of the harm being done to women who are victimized.

Colleen Coble, the Chief Executive Officer of the Coalition, likes the component of the law that prohibits accusers from being subjected to a required polygraph test as a condition for prosecutors or police to investigate alleged crimes. And, she likes a part of the law which removes victims’ names from state and local public records to make it more difficult for abusers to find victims’ home or work addresses.

Another major element of this legislation will ensure that accusers are no longer forced to pay for a medical exam referred to as a "rape kit," to gather DNA and other evidence.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)