Senator Soucy Pushes Back on Sale of Over-the-Counter Rape Kits
Contact Name: Marina Altschiller
Phone: (603) 271-3207
CONCORD – Today, Senator Harold French (R-Franklin) introduced SB 65, repealing the prohibition on the sale of over-the-counter rape test kits.
After the hearing, Senate Democratic Leader Donna Soucy (D-Manchester) issued the following statement:
“The sale of over-the-counter rape kits seeks to exploit sexual assault victims’ fear and trauma and gives them false hope. What sexual assault victims really need are emotional and medical support services following an assault. As such, current New Hampshire law includes a sexual assault protocol that ensures victims receive critical support services, including access to forensic rape kits administered by a specially trained medical professional at no cost to victims. Victims can choose whether or not their rape kit is analyzed, and are given the time and space to understand their options in the aftermath of their assault. This legislation jeopardizes victims’ access to emotional and medical support, as well as access to justice. Sexual assault should never be used as a source of corporate revenue.”
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