NJ bill would expand rights of sexual assault survivors: 'It would be phenomenal'

TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) -- A bipartisan bill heading to the Senate floor in the State House looks to expand New Jersey's Sexual Assault Victim Bill of Rights.

"For someone who has been sexually assaulted, it is such a unique experience to them and that trauma shows up in all aspects of their life," said Lauren Bivona, executive director of SAFE in Hunterdon, a center that serves victims and survivors in Hunterdon County. "The passage of that bill would be incredible."

The bill, specifically, would give victims more access to developments in investigations. It would give the victim a right to be informed if DNA from an assailant was obtained during collection of evidence, and if there was evidence submitted to a forensic laboratory that was compared to samples in a DNA bank, to name a few.

“Although the ‘Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights’ includes a provision allowing sexual assault victims to receive information about their case upon request, some have faced difficulty actually obtaining that information due to a lack of clarity regarding what information and updates they are entitled to," said Senator Linda Greenstein, Chair of the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee. "This bill aims to fix that so that survivors of sexual assault can be notified of significant developments as they happen and law enforcement has a clear understanding of what their obligations are. For many survivors, being regularly updated helps keep them ensured their case is being taken seriously and actively investigated. This legislation further recognizes that survivors of sexual assault deserve to be kept up-to-date and aware of all major developments in the investigation of their case, both for their peace of mind, and most importantly, their safety."

Before Bivona came to SAFE in Hunterdon, she served as a Flemington Police Officer for 20 years.

"It would be phenomenal for victims to feel included in that process so that they can continue making choices that are best for them moving forward," said Bivona, " and also allows them to feel more of a connection and a relationship developing with the people that are processing their case."

Republican State Senator Declan O'Scanlon is sponsoring the bill with Democratic State Senator Linda Greenstein.

"They shouldn't have to deal with the bureaucracy that stonewalls them, and right now they do," said O'Scanlon. "It's a problem. This would very clearly state what their rights are and these are important rights."

A vote on the bill is set for Monday.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship and needs assistance, you can call SAFE in Hunterdon's hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 908-788-4044.