Carpino Backs Bi-Partisan Legislation Bolstering Resources for Sex Assault Victims

HARTFORD—State Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell and Portland) hailed passage of legislation she co-sponsored that will give victims of sexual assault and stalking on college campuses clear and concise information on their rights and options for reporting such crimes.

Under the bipartisan legislation passed in the House of Representatives today (H.B. 5029) colleges and universities must also establish a campus resource team that will function as an advisory panel that would create education program for students, faculty and staff. The proposal also requires schools to develop relationships with community providers that specialize in either domestic or sexual violence.

“It is unacceptable for any sexual or domestic violence victim, male or female, to have their victim crime report ignored or dismissed without investigation. I’m proud to say the bill has bipartisan support,” said Rep. Carpino.

The proposal, approved unanimously in the House, builds on tougher regulations enacted in 2012 that required schools to establish policies and regulations regarding sexual assaults. The legislation voted on Thursday mandates that colleges and universities treat stalking in the same manner. The proposal goes beyond federal standards. One in five women on college campuses suffers assaults, and just 20 percent of assaults are being reported, according to statistics cited by Higher Education committee members.

Sexual violence on campuses made headlines when University of Connecticut students this year testified before legislators, contending that school officials weren’t helpful when they reported crimes.