Shaheen Applauds Passage of Soucy’s Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights, Modeled on Federal Law Shaheen Authored

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement in response to the New Hampshire legislature passing State Senator Donna Soucy’s (D-Manchester) legislation to establish a bill of rights for survivors of sexual assault. In 2016, Senator Shaheen authored and ushered the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act through Congress, which was quickly signed into law by President Obama. Shaheen has been calling on states to follow suit and adopt a standardized, transparent process for survivors of sexual assault seeking justice, similar to the procedures and rights now established in federal law.

“I’m very pleased to see the New Hampshire legislature act on a bipartisan basis to pass this important bill, which empowers survivors of sexual assault. I encourage the Governor to quickly sign this legislation into law,” said Shaheen. “Our laws must stand firmly on the side of survivors of sexual assault, which remains one of the most underreported crimes. I appreciate Senator Soucy’s tireless efforts to get this legislation through the State legislature.”

Senator Soucy’s bill will now head to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.