Idaho State Capitol – On Wednesday, a bill sponsored by Representative Melissa Wintrow/(D-Boise) was printed in House Judiciary and Rules. The legislation would allow for sexual assault survivors to seek civil protection orders. Currently, in cases of sexual assault, a victim can only seek a protection order if they are in a domestic relationship with the abuser.
“Victims of domestic violence, stalking, and even telephone harassment can be granted civil protection orders; this bill will close a gap for victims of sexual assault so they can seek an order for protection” Rep. Wintrow explained. “Providing protection for victims of sexual assault under the law is critical for the physical and emotional well-being of victims.”
“Idahoans and their families are in desperate need of an amendment to the existing law in order to include those who have been affected by sexual assault. Law enforcement officials and other groups within the community have offered support. This bill is officially supported by Idaho Chiefs of Police Association, Idaho Sheriffs Association, the Idaho Prosecuting Attorneys Association, and the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence.”
“Oftentimes, those who experience sexual assault experience it by a perpetrator they do not know personally or they are not dating. Under the current Idaho code, if the victim is not in a domestic relationship with the person, they are unable to get a civil protection order. As I talk with community partners and advocates, it’s clear that this is a tool that would help sexual assault survivors in similar ways that are offered to victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes.”