WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress has approved legislation outlining a federal bill of rights for survivors of sexual assault.
The bill would ensure that survivors in federal criminal cases have the right to a sexual assault evidence collection kit, to be told of the results and to be notified in writing before the kit is destroyed.
Lawmakers say they are troubled by the number of untested rape kits that remain in the country, despite efforts to reduce a national backlog.
The bill was prompted by a woman, Amanda Nguyen (NEW-wynn), who was sexually assaulted as a college student. She told lawmakers the trauma was worsened by her experience with the criminal justice system. Nguyen has repeatedly been required to take action to prevent destruction of her rape kit.
The bill goes to the president.
