Published February 16, 2023
By: Eric Pointer
AUSTIN, Texas —
Advocates for sexual and domestic violence survivors hosted a rally at the Texas State Capitol on Thursday to support survivor-centered legislation filed in the 88th legislative session.
The Texas Council on Family Violence and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault hosted the event.
Advocates are asking lawmakers to back helpful policies and funding. They say that these policies could be life-saving and life-changing for survivors and those who could be attacked in the future.
The advocates are pushing for legislation like making it easier for survivors to get victim's compensation.
Among those backing legislation like this are State Sens. Angela Paxton and Charles Perry and Reps. Gina Hinojosa and Jeff Leach.
Tracy Matheson, whose daughter was sexually assaulted and killed, said that survivors shouldn't have to jump through so many hurdles to get the funds.
"Beyond the actual physical trauma, there's so much other trauma that impacts the victim and that we don't even know about. And often it is – there are financial repercussions of needing safe housing or needing to change housing or, you know, any number of counseling and that kind of thing. That costs money," Matheson said. "And we need to – they've experienced a crime, and crime victims' compensation is there to support those who've experienced a crime."
Matheson said every little bit helps, and she thinks these changes could be a step in the right direction to help survivors.
She has already gotten legislation passed in honor of her daughter, Molly. "Molly Jane's Law," passed in 2019, states that when Texas law enforcement investigates a sexual assault, they shall use ViCAP (Violence Criminal Apprehension Program) to input information about a reported offender and the nature or details of the offense.
Matheson said advocating for these new bills really makes a difference.
"One of the greatest honors in my life is when survivors approached me, whether it's in person or email or on social media, and thank me for the work that we're doing and for speaking up about something that people just don't talk about, you know. And that's part of the problem. We don't talk about it, and we don't realize how many people are impacted by sexual assault," Matheson said.
Currently filed bills that would support survivors include:
Senate Bill 409 and House Bill 1739, which state that a victim, guardian of a victim, or close relative of a deceased victim may assert and enforce their rights orally or in writing. Additionally, they can request to be kept informed about evidence and court proceedings
House Bill 1796, which would provide shelter for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and their dependents
Senate Bill 806, which would require peace officers to connect victims of sexual assault, human trafficking and related sex offenses with services and to inform them of their legal rights at their earliest interaction
Senate Bill 819, which would allow a victim, guardian of a victim or close relative of a deceased victim to be represented by legal counsel in the criminal justice process to advocate for them, advise them about legal rights and empower them to engage and participate in the process