(Washington, DC) – On Thursday, April 13 at 11 am, Mayor Muriel Bowser will highlight the introduction of the Sexual Assault Victims’ Rights Amendment Act of 2017. The legislation will expand critical treatment, support services, and legal assistance for victims of sexual assault. If signed into law, prosecutors would be required to provide a rationale on their decision not to prosecute a sexual assault. Additionally, a new prohibition would be created related to the removal of a person’s clothing without consent and the definition of a sexual assault victim would be expanded to include any person that is at least 12 years old. This clarification will ensure that adolescent victims of sexual assaults are provided the same rights as adult victims.

WHO:

Mayor Muriel Bowser
Peter Newsham, Acting Chief, Metropolitan Police Department
Michelle Garcia, Director, Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants

WHEN:

Thursday, April 13, at 11 am

WHERE:

The Lighthouse Center for Healing
5321 First Place, NE
*Closest Metro: Fort Totten Metro Station*

Press interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP to [email protected]. To view the event online, visit mayor.dc.gov/live or tune in on Channel 16 (DCN).