H.Res. 331 — Introduced in House

IV 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 331 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 18, 2015 Ms. Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary RESOLUTION Expressing support for States to adopt Racheal’s Law. Whereas there are approximately 293,000 victims of sexual assault every year; Whereas 82 percent of sexual assaults were perpetrated by a non-stranger; Whereas 46 percent of rapists who were released from prison were re-arrested within 3 years of their release for another crime; of which 18.6 percent was for a violent offense; Whereas victims of sexual assault are 3 times more likely to suffer from depression, 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol, 26 times more likely to abuse drugs, and 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide; and Whereas victim interaction with their offender can cause further emotional trauma: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) encourages States to ensure that victims of rape or sexual assault can file and obtain a restraining order against the guilty party for an indefinite period of time without the necessity of renewal or refiling; and (2) encourages States to ensure that victims of rape or sexual assault can be represented by an attorney instead of being physically present during hearings involving their convicted attacker.