70.125.020 - Legislative findings -- Program objectives. - Washington Statutes

Legislative findings — Program objectives.

(1) The legislature hereby finds and declares that:

     (a) Sexual assault has become one of the most rapidly increasing violent crimes over the last decade;

     (b) There is a lack of essential information and data concerning sexual assault;

     (c) There is a lack of adequate training for law enforcement officers concerning sexual assault, the victim, the offender, and the investigation;

     (d) There is a lack of community awareness and knowledge concerning sexual assault and the physical and psychological impact upon the victim;

     (e) There is a lack of public information concerning sexual assault prevention and personal self-protection;

     (f) Because of the lack of information, training, and services, the victims of sexual assault are not receiving the assistance they require in dealing with the physical and psychological trauma of a sexual assault;

     (g) The criminal justice system and health care system should maintain close contact and cooperation with each other and with community rape crisis centers to expedite the disposition of sexual assault cases; and

     (h) Persons who are victims of sexual assault will benefit directly from increased public awareness and education, increased prosecutions, and a criminal justice system which treats them in a humane manner.

     (2) Therefore, a statewide sexual assault education, training, and consultation program should be developed. Such a statewide program should seek to improve treatment of victims through information-gathering, education, training, community awareness programs, and by increasing the efficiency of the criminal justice and health care systems as they relate to sexual assault. Such a program should serve a consultative and facilitative function for organizations which provide services to victims and potential victims of sexual assault.

[1979 ex.s. c 219 § 2.]

Notes: Severability -- 1979 ex.s. c 219: See note following RCW 70.125.010.