Goodlatte Statement on the Implementation of the Survivors' Bill of Rights Act

Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) issued the following remarks at the Crime Subcommittee hearing on the "Implementation of the Survivors' Bill of Rights Act." This bipartisan bill, passed in 2016, gives protections and access to a legal process for survivors of sexual assault. Chairman Goodlatte: Thank you. I am very pleased to take part in this important hearing on the rights of sexual assault survivors. A little over two years ago, we all had the privilege of being a part of the passage of H.R. 5578, the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights Act --landmark bipartisan legislation that furthered victims’ rights in the criminal justice process. This legislation assured that in federal cases, a victim would have the right to have their rape kit preserved for the duration of the statute of limitations or up to 20 years; a victim would not have to pay for their own forensic examination; a victim would be informed of any results of their forensic examination; would be provided with written policies on forensic testing kits; and finally, would be informed before their sexual assault examination kit was destroyed and be permitted to request further preservation. These rights are now available to victims of federal crimes but, unfortunately, are not consistently recognized by every state--and of course, it is in the states where most sexual assault cases are prosecuted. We are grateful to welcome representatives from the non-profits RISE and RAINN. These organizations are instrumental in raising awareness of victims’ rights and spreading this message to local governments. Thus far, RISE has been able to facilitate the passage of similar laws in 10 states--a remarkable and inspiring accomplishment. Aside from statutorily enshrining rights for victims of sexual assault, this legislation also heralded the arrival a new national movement – a movement where women feel they can report assaults without judgment and without immediate suspicion of fabrication or untoward motivations. Encouraging a culture where victims feel safe to come forward helps society, by both deterring assault and assuring that predators are held accountable. I am eager to hear from our impressive witness panel about the progress that has been made over the past two years, and what Congress can do to ensure the momentum continues.  It is my hope that, very soon, we will see these rights established in all 50 states. Thank you all for being here today, I look forward to your testimony.