As Texas approaches its 89th legislative session, it is essential for us as a community to advocate for the rights and needs of sexual assault survivors. Lawmakers have the power to create policies that significantly affect the lives of survivors, ensuring they receive the justice, support, and care they deserve. Now is the time for action and progress.
Past legislative sessions have seen important advances in how Texas responds to sexual assault, and we must continue building on these efforts. One key achievement was the passage of HB8 - Lavinia Master's Act, which established a statewide rape kit tracking system and mandates timely testing. This legislation resulted from the advocacy of survivors and individuals like Lavinia Masters, a board member whose work was instrumental in pushing for this reform.
Molly Jane’s Law is another example of progress. This law mandates that law enforcement agencies enter specific information about sexual assault and other sex offenses into the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP) database, maintained by the FBI. Inspired by the tragic loss of a mother’s daughter to a serial rapist, this law has made strides in ensuring that law enforcement is better equipped to respond to sexual violence.
Additionally, trauma-informed training for law enforcement officers has greatly improved how survivors are treated when they report sexual assault. This training focuses on understanding trauma’s effects and ensures that officers respond with empathy and effectiveness. The creation of Sexual Assault Response Teams (SARTs) across Texas has also been crucial. These teams, composed of law enforcement, medical professionals, victim advocates, and prosecutors, work together to provide comprehensive care for survivors.
It is vital that we continue to push for legislation that prioritizes the needs of survivors. We must urge lawmakers to further advance initiatives that protect victims, promote healing, and ensure justice. By speaking to your representatives, you can ensure that the voices of survivors are heard in the Texas Legislature.
Your advocacy is powerful. Together, we can make Texas a safer, more supportive state for all sexual assault survivors.
Sincerely,
Wendy Hanna
Executive Director
The Turning Point
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