Kaine Co-Sponsors Bill To Provide On-Campus Advocates For Survivors Of Sexual Assault

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine co-sponsored the Survivor Outreach and Support Campus Act (S.O.S. Campus Act), legislation sponsored by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer that would require colleges and universities to establish an independent, on-campus advocate to support survivors of sexual assault.

The legislation will require every institution of higher education that receives federal funding to designate an independent advocate for campus sexual assault prevention and response. This advocate will be responsible for ensuring that survivors of sexual assault, regardless of whether they decide to report the crime, have access to:

•         Emergency and follow-up medical care

•         Guidance on reporting assaults to law enforcement

•         Medical forensic or evidentiary exams

•         Crisis intervention, ongoing counseling and assistance throughout the process

•         Information on their legal rights

The advocate will also conduct a public information campaign on the campuses.

The S.O.S. Campus Act is supported by the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, National Women’s Law Center, Break the Cycle, Jewish Women International, the American Association of University Women and Futures Without Violence.

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