The Violence Against Women Act of 2005 requires that sexual assault victims must not be required to file law enforcement reports in order to receive free exams. This study examined how states are meeting these goals. It found that victim compensation funds are by far the largest funder of exams across the country. In the 19 jurisdictions included in case studies, victims generally received free exams without having to report if they did not want to. However, barriers to even accessing the exam prevent some victims from seeking help.
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Read related policy briefs:
- VAWA 2005 and Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exams Policy Implementation and Impacts
- VAWA 2005 and Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exams: Kit Storage Issues
- Who Pays for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exams?: It Is Not the Victim’s Responsibility
Publish Date
2014