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

Full Text of Bill (PDF)

Washington - Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) introduced the "Compassionate Assault Response and Empathy (CARE) Act." This legislation would expand trauma-informed training for law enforcement personnel related to sexual assault cases.

The CARE Act has been endorsed by the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault 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 responding to cases of sexual assault, 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 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 should not have to fear being re-traumatized while in the care of law enforcement. Our public institutions serving our communities and law enforcement assisting victims of sexual assault 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 are treated with the sensitivity, respect, and care they deserve when they seek out assistance. This important issue was brought to my attention by a constituent 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."

"When survivors of sexual assault choose to report their attacks, they deserve to be treated with care that is sensitive, respectful, and diligent," saidCongresswoman Kamlager-Dove."Unfortunately, too often, these survivors experience re-traumatization when interacting with law enforcement personnel who lack the tools and training necessary to provide trauma-informed care- resulting in only 31% of sexual assault cases being reported. I am proud to co-lead the introduction of the CARE Act, legislation that would strengthen law enforcement's ability to provide survivor-centered care when responding to sexual assault cases and, hopefully, encourage more survivors to come forward."

"The Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA) supports an increase in funding to train law enforcement on the critical trauma-informed investigation procedures needed for sexual assault cases. Rape crisis center staff know that the initial contact between law enforcement and survivors of sexual violence is often a key factor in how an investigation moves forward. Survivors need to have trauma-informed process in order to not be retraumatized by the investigation and to have a better opportunity for positive outcome with the criminal justice system. ICASA thanks Rep. Schakowsky for spearheading this initiative and encourage all legislators to support this legislation," said the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA).

Specifically, the bill would:

• Create a grant program under the Department of Health and Human Services for state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies 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 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;
• Require training to be at least eight hours annually for individuals enrolled in a law enforcement academy and at least four hours annually for all other law enforcement personnel;
• Encourage state, tribal, and law enforcement agencies 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. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Sean Casten (IL-6), Sheila Jackson-Lee (TX-18), and Seth Moulton (MA-06) have also joined the CARE Act as original cosponsors.