August 15, 2014
1 in 5 women has been sexually assaulted while in college.
This is the startling fact the White House Council on Women and Girls reported in their report, Rape and Sexual Assault: A Renewed Call to Action. To increase the nation’s response to this sexual assault, the administration created a Task Force to Protect Students From Sexual Assault, which issued its first report, Not Alone in April. This report provides important guidance about responding to sexual assault on campuses and has renewed energy for addressing the issue.
Our legislative update is also included. Most laws will go into effect this fall on October 1st. This session saw major improvements to statutes affecting survivors of sexual violence, including enacting a prohibition on rape by proxy, changing the standard of proof in peace orders and protective orders, and creating a planning committee to increase access to sexual assault forensic exams. Ensuring that the voices of survivors and rape crisis centers are heard in Annapolis is one of MCASA’s chief responsibilities and we are proud of these successes and eager to continue to fight for bills that were not passed.
We are glad to be able to share their work with others in the field.
Wishing you all a safe start to the new school year.
Lisae
Lisae C. Jordan, Esq.
Executive Director & Counsel
Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault