Victims of sexual assault in Tennessee will soon get more time to receive financial compensation. Current state law allows a victim of sexual assault one year to pursue civil action. A bill heading to the desk of Gov. Bill Lee would extend that time frame to three years.
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In a recent legislative hearing, sexual assault survivor Danielle told lawmakers that she was raped nearly three years ago after attending a birthday party for her friend. She says after the assault she took all the proper steps to get justice.
“I filed a formal police report with the MNPD. I had a rape kit done at the sexual assault center. I cooperated in every stage of the process,” she explained. “And the detective on my case said he would get back with me after the [prosecutor’s] office had made their decision.”
It wasn’t until 13 months later that she got a call back from the detective informing her that the Nashville District Attorney’s office was not going to take her case. Usually, the next step is to pursue a civil court action. But in her case, the deadline had come and gone.
The new measure will allow victims of sexual assault three years to file a claim.
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