Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
New Laws Strengthen Victims' Rights
FOX24's Linh Bui looks at two new laws that strengthen the rights of crime victims in Georgia
Linh Bui
Story Created:
Jul 1, 2009 at 5:13 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jul 2, 2009 at 8:19 AM CDT
Dozens of legislative measures take effect on July first; including two laws that strengthen the rights of crime victims in Georgia.
Senate Bill 172 deals with victim compensation, and will “provide for recovery for serious mental and emotional trauma.”
Julie Steele is executive director of Crisis Line and Safe House. She says this new law is important because mental trauma can last long after physical wounds heal, especially for victims of child abuse or sexual assault.
"For the validation that it gives to those victims of the trauma that they have endured, which may not manifest itself as a physical symptom. So that they have ability now to seek counseling,” Steele says.
Senate Bill 151 will “provide courts/State Board of Pardons and Paroles greater input from crime victims, their families, interested witnesses.”
Houston County Assistant District Attorney Jason Ashford says under this law, victims can also provide testimony on video, instead of in person at court.
"Hopefully, it'll put victims a little bit more at ease and eliminate the re-victimization that they suffer at the hands of having to tell their story and have to go to court and be subject to that kind of intense scrutiny and pressure,” Ashford says.
Victim Advocates say these two new pieces of legislation show progress and that they hope legislators continue to strengthen the rights of all crime victims.
If you are a crime victim in need of assistance, you can reach the Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia at (478) 745-9292.
Add a comment
Most Popular