Betts, Pavalock support bill improving sexual assault investigations

HARTFORD — State Representatives Whit Betts (R-78) and Cara Pavalock (R-77) are hoping new legislation passed last week by the House of Representatives will help improve the investigation process for sexual assault victims.

The bill, H.B. 6498, improves the transfer of sexual assault evidence collection kits by establishing a mandated timeline for health care facilities, police departments and state agencies involved in sexual assault investigations. Under the legislation, police departments will have 10 days to gather the kit evidence from a health care facility and transfer it to the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, which oversees sexual assault evidence collection kits.

Betts, a co-sponsor of the proposal, said the House’s unanimous approval of the bill was a small victory for victims of sexual assault and those seeking justice.

“Sexual assault is a serious issue which impacts people in all of our communities.  It is important that we continue to support policies such as this, which improves the response to victims of sexual assault and that is why I proudly co-sponsored this bill,” Betts said. “Victims of sexual assault should not be unnecessarily traumatized when seeking justice, but the unfortunate reality is that it does happen.  By strengthening the laws and providing specific timeframes for authorities to conduct investigations, we are making the process more efficient and that means a quicker resolution for the victims,” Pavalock said.

The kits will still be permitted in court, even if the authorities fail to meet the time requirements.

After gaining support from Connecticut’s Office of the Victim’s Advocate, Division of Criminal Justice, the Police Chiefs Association and the Permanent Commission of the Status of Women, the measure, which also improves court proceedings, was approved unanimously and now heads to the state Senate.

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