Schakowsky Introduces Legislation to Expand Trauma-Informed Training to Support Victims of Sexual Assault during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) introduced Anna's Law in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This legislation would expand trauma-informed training for law enforcement personnel and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) related to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking cases.

Anna's Law has been endorsed by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Resilience, Volare, and the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center.

Every 68 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted, but only 310 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are ultimately reported to police. Many public institutions, including law enforcement personnel and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) responding to cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, do not receive adequate training about how best to assist victims of sexual assault and other traumatic experiences. In fact, many victims of sexual assault report experiencing re-traumatization when interacting with law enforcement personnel and EMTs responding to sexual assault cases.

Studies have shown that trauma-informed care, based on the knowledge and understanding of trauma and its far-reaching implications, is vital to providing those with the support they need when dealing with traumatic events. With appropriate support and intervention, people can overcome traumatic experiences, yet unaddressed trauma can lead to lasting adverse effects, including chronic physical or behavioral health disorders and mental and substance use disorders.

"Victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and dating violence should not have to fear being re-traumatized while in the care of law enforcement and EMTs. Our public institutions serving our communities as well as law enforcement and EMTs assisting victims of sexual assault and domestic violence must understand the impact of traumatic events on individuals, how to best support victims of traumatic events, and how their actions can be potentially trauma-inducing," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. "It is critical that victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are treated with the sensitivity, respect, and care they deserve when they seek out assistance. This important issue was brought to my attention by my constituent, Anna, who was sexually assaulted and re-traumatized while working with law enforcement, and I am honored to introduce legislation to help ensure this will not happen to others."

"It takes an incredible amount of courage for survivors to report sexual assault and they deserve sensitive, respectful, and diligent care when they do come forward," said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. "Too often, survivors are unintentionally re-traumatized when interacting with law enforcement personnel who lack the resources and training to provide trauma-informed care. I am proud to co-lead Anna's Law, which would equip law enforcement agencies with the tools to deliver evidence-based, survivor-centered care. We must ensure that survivors feel safe and heard when telling their stories so that all these stories are told."

"I was sexually assaulted and was retraumatized, invalidated, and discredited by law enforcement upon reporting the assault. Anna's Law eliminates the retraumatization that happens to another victim. Survivors deserve to be heard and validated without fear of retraumatization during the investigatory process," said Anna

"The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) supports an increase in funding to train law enforcement and emergency responders on the critical trauma-informed approaches needed in responding to sexual assault survivors. Rape crisis center staff know that the initial contact between first responders and survivors of sexual violence is often a key factor in how an investigation moves forward. Survivors need to have a trauma-informed process to avoid being retraumatized by the emergency response and the investigation and to have a better opportunity for healing and positive outcomes with the criminal justice system. ICASA thanks Congresswoman Schakowsky for spearheading this initiative and encourages all legislators to support the bill," said Carrie Ward, Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA).

"The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence applauds Rep. Schakowsky and Rep. Kamlager-Dove's leadership in reintroducing Anna's Law, which would expand trauma-informed training for first responders who assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The initial interactions a violence survivor has with first responders can make all the difference. The passage of Anna's Law would help reduce conflicts of interest during investigations and make significant strides in ensuring the training of our first responders is grounded in survivor-centered care and concern. We are proud to support this important bill!" said Carrie Boyd, CEO/President of Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence

"Chicago Children's Advocacy Center supports Representative Jan Schakowsky's bill for increased trauma-informed training for law enforcement personnel. Victims of child sexual abuse and all other survivors of sexual violence benefit when first responders understand trauma and how to best support victims throughout the criminal justice process," said the Chicago Children's Advocacy Center.

"This bill is a crucial step in equipping law enforcement and EMTs with trauma-informed training that helps them respond to survivors with care and understanding. It not only builds trust with those in crisis, but also gives first responders the tools to reduce stress, avoid burnout, and feel more prepared in challenging situations. It's a win for survivors and for those who serve on the front lines every day," said Bridgette Stumpf, CEO of Volare.

"Unfortunately, the experience of this Illinois constituent is not unique. It is estimated that less than 5% of reported rapes will result in an arrest or conviction. If a survivor makes the personal decision to pursue criminal charges, it is imperative law enforcement is educated on the realities of sexual assault and trauma response to aid in an effective investigation and prosecution," said Resilience.

Specifically, Anna's Law would:

• Create a grant program under the Department of Health and Human Services for state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies and state and local agencies overseeing emergency medical services to establish and expand training to increase understanding and awareness of the impact of trauma on sexual assault cases and develop strategies for trauma-informed responses;
• Require the trauma-informed training to be evidence-based and victim-centered and include training on how contact with law enforcement or EMTs can cause or lead to re-traumatization and how law enforcement personnel can best support victims of sexual assault during their interactions with law enforcement and EMTs;
• Require training to be at least eight hours annually for individuals enrolled in a law enforcement academy, fire academy, and initial training for EMTs, and at least four hours annually for all other law enforcement personnel and EMTs;
• Encourage state, tribal, and law enforcement agencies and state and local agencies overseeing emergency medical services to provide trainers from diverse backgrounds; and
• Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect data and submit annual reports to Congress on the grant program.

Reps. Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Hank Johnson (GA-04), and Deborah Ross (NC-02) have also joined Anna's Law as original cosponsors.

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