The state senate is prepared to pass a bill that keeps victims of sexual or domestic assault from being victimized again when they report the crime.

The numbers reported by Senate leader Michael Gibbons are staggering to him—In 2005, Missouri had 15-hundred reported rapes and 40-thousand cases of domestic violence.  But, he says, for every rape reported, it’s thought nine go unreported.  For each domestic violence case reported, there’s another one that is not.

He says some things happen to victims after they file reports that discourage them from going forward…or others from reporting at all.  He says some women are forced to take lie detector tests.

He says some victims are asked to have a psychological stress evaluation…and women often have to pay for the physical examinations that are part of the evidence gathering process—because it’s considered a medical procedure, not part of  a crime investigation.

Gibbons’ bill bans investigators from demanding lie detector tests…or psychological evaluations…or charging women for the examinations. 

The bill also increases confidentiality requirements for those involved in the investigation of the crime or in providing services to the victims.

The bill goes to the House with one more round of voting from the Senate.

 

The bill is SS/SCS/SB429

Download Bob Priddy’s story (:62 mp3)