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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 23, 2014

CONTACT: Rep. Goyke 608.266.0645

“Lindsey’s Law” Passed by Assembly Criminal Justice Committee MADISON – Today the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice unanimously supported and passed Assembly Bill 518, “Lindsey’s Law.” Introduced by Representative Goyke with bi-partisan support on November 22, 2013, “Lindsey’s Law” seeks to provide better access to counseling and mental health treatment for victims of certain sexual assault crimes by removing the one-year application deadline for access to the Crime Victim Fund. Following the conclusion of the hearing, Representative Goyke thanked his fellow committee members for their support by stating, “I would like to thank the Chairman and my colleagues for their support of ‘Lindsey’s Law’ and scheduling this bill for a vote today. This proposal is vitally important for victims to have greater access to the help and care they need.” According to the Department of Health Services, from 2006 to 2010, almost 5,000 sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement annually. About two-thirds of those victims were 15 years old or younger. Over 80% were female. 90% of the victims know the person who assaulted them.1 “It is my hope that this bill will continue to advance and be considered and passed by the entire Assembly before we adjourn for the year. As I have said before, the victims of these terrible crimes deserve a vote and the greater access to treatment provided by the bill.” The legislation is supported by the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault. A copy of the bill may be found at: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2013/related/proposals/ab518

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www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/injuryprevention/SexualAssaultPrev/