Gov. Walker Signs Bills to Help Domestic and Sexual Assault Victims
By Michelle Clemens Published: April 11, 2016, 4:58 pm Updated: April 11, 2016, 7:01 pm
Governor Scott Walker was in Green Bay Monday afternoon, signing two bills into law at Golden House.
“Each of these are trying to make sure that we protect those who have been victimized,” the governor said.
Senate Bill 323, co-authored by Sen. Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay), gives sexual assault victims the right to get help navigating through the medical and legal process.
“It can be trying for anyone, let alone someone who’s been victimized through something like this to navigate through,” said Gov. Walker.
“To have a victim advocate, somebody who can help walk the person who’s been violated through the system helps in outcomes,” Sen. Cowles said.
Senate Bill 351, cosponsored in the Assembly by Rep. André Jacque (R-De Pere), helps protect abuse victims by making sure their protection orders remain in effect even if they leave Wisconsin.
Rep. Jacque said Wisconsin has already been honoring other states’ protection orders.
“When somebody were to leave the State of Wisconsin they’re not going to be subject to harassment, stalking,” said Rep. Jacque.
Domestic violence advocates said they are always looking for more legislation like the legislation signed Monday, as it helps victims and holds offenders accountable.
“They’re really out there fighting for victims to have more rights which builds trust in the system, it gives them advocates to stand by their side and it helps them restore their faith,” said Karen Michaels, executive director at Golden House.
At a stop in Wausau, the governor signed two more related bills into law (descriptions provided, links added):
Assembly Bill 615 – Requires courts to automatically forward temporary restraining orders and other documents to the sheriffs’ departments to execute service. Once service of the respondent is accomplished, sheriffs’ departments are directed to use the online Wisconsin State Victim Notification Service (VINE) system to provide notification to the victim.
Assembly Bill 643 – Makes changes to the Department of Justice’s (DOJ’s)victim compensation award program to update coverage. If a victim suffers a disability as a result of a crime, covered expenses may include reasonable housing accessibility adaptations and adds victims of certain crimes to the list of persons eligible for compensation. The bill also increases funeral and burial allowances to $5,000 and allows a parent of a child who was the victim to receive compensation up to $3,000 for economic losses for mental health treatment.