The state task force reviewing the treatment and support of sexual assault victims in Missouri is scheduled to conduct its first public hearing from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, August 25.
According to a press release, the Missouri Rights of Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force invites members of the public to listen to the online hearing. The hearing will focus on funding recommendations to support sexual assault victims and to conduct investigations.
The Missouri Rights of Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force was created through Senate Bill 569, which was signed into law by Governor Mike Parson in July 2020. In addition to including the “Justice for Survivors Act” and the “Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights,” it mandated establishment of the task force, which must “collect feedback from stakeholders, practitioners, and leadership throughout the state and local law enforcement, victim services, forensic science practitioners, and health care communities to inform development of future best practices or clinical guidelines regarding the care and treatment of survivors.”
SB 569 also requires the task force to study nationally recognized best practices and make recommendations regarding the development and implementation of a method for tracking and investigating complaints about the handling of sexual assault investigations and reporting, and the development of documentation to be provided to sexual assault survivors informing them of their rights. It also directs the task force to determine when there is a need for additional employees or volunteers at rape crisis centers, determine the costs of meeting the potential need and methods for meeting the need.
Officials say the task force is required to submit a report on its findings, including any majority and dissenting opinions to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31. The Department of Public Safety is tasked with providing administrative support to the task force.
The link to the WebEx virtual-hearing may be accessed on most mobile and computer devices.