Wyoming recently passed House Bill 17 through The House. This bill was sponsered so that sexual assault victims can obtain an order to keep their attacker away. Currently, victims of domestic violence and stalking can get a Protection Order but not sexual assault victims ( unless the assault was part of domestic violence).
Unfortunately HB 17 was amended recently. Originally the bill would allow orders to last a year. But now, The House amended it so that the order expires in 3 months if the perpetrator is not charged or found guilty of sexual assault. I feel that this amendment is ridiculous because national statistics state that only 2 percent of rapists ever spend a day in jail or prison(source: RAINN). Only 3 percent of rape cases are ever referred to a Prosecutor. Rape can happen to anyone!!! “every 107 seconds another American is sexually assaulted”. 3/4 or more of rapists are known by the victim. Rape still remains an uncomfortable subject for many people to talk about , but it is an increasing, heinous crime in the United States.
Victims need a Protection Order from their attacker especially since The Criminal Justice System is failing to prosecute these Monsters. More reason that the amendment to HB 17 needs to be abolished and the original content if the bill upheld. It is very unlikely a rapist will ever be charged or convicted, si at the least let’s help protect The Victims!
Susan Anderson
Encampment
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