New laws, new rights for victims of sexual assault.

Austin, Texas, April of 2011- the mere fact of becoming a victim of a sexual assault is somewhat frightening. But aware of their rights as survivor may be the big difference when it comes to seek help. April is the month of awareness about Sexual violence, and the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) is presenting an educational campaign at the national level on two laws of the State of Texas which empower survivors to take control of which can be two very difficult scenarios.

The campaign launches this week with trading in the country, radio, newspapers, billboards, and a microsite with information about new laws which can be found here.

The first Act provides important options for someone sexually assaulted in the place in which he lives, if the property is rented. The 92.0161 Texas property code allows who has been a victim of sexual assault breaking the contract of renting an apartment or other property rented without having to pay financial penalties, for example, future payments or penalties to end the contract early.

“Is an important law protects tenants of what may be an unsafe situation”, said Annette Burrhus-Clay, Executive Director of the TAASA. “To have, at least the option to break the contract and moving, is possible to begin the process of emotional, mental and physical healing.”

According to the law, it is possible to break a contract of income giving 30 days notice and written documentation that occurred an aggression in the property rented within the last six months before breaking the contract. Acceptable documents are an order of protection issued by a court, or documents proving that the tenant received medical treatment or treatment of mental health of a professional licensed or received a care centre for crisis services for rape. Don’t need a police report, and the / the tenant to can move no sooner he gives notice.

The second law is related to examinations in cases of sexual assault. A review of sexual assault (also called medical forensic examination) is a procedure carried out by a medical professional for treating and diagnosing a victim of sexual assault while at the same time, collected evidence of the crime.

The Texas law now says that if a victim of sexual assault is not ready to involve the police, he or she have the option of conducting a review of sexual assault.

“Is called a ’review of sexual assault without complaint”,”explained Burrhus-Clay. “That means that medical treatment can be given and you can get important medical evidence, except that the survivor may choose to involve the police at a later stage, or even not involved”.

Nor is there a law that requires medical facilities to report sexual abuse of adults for compliance with the law, so the decision to denounce is exclusive to the survivor. This important change in the law balances the need for the victim and the criminal justice system allowing survivors preserve important tests, but the time needed to decide whether, or not, make the complaint.

“Combined, these two laws, extend the rights of victims of sexual grievances, and at the same time gives them options to take control of the situation

“”If you or someone you love who have suffered a sexual assault, take the time to learn more about their rights”, said Burrhus-Clay. “Knowing these two laws can make a real difference to empower oneself or someone to whom one loves.”

About TAASA

The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) is the national organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas. It is an organization of education and advocacy, non-profit, based in Austin, Texas. TAASA member agencies include a national network of more than 80 centers for care of crisis that served in the metropolitan areas. Founded in 1982, the Agency has a great record of success in community education, helps young people training in compliance with laws, legislative advocacy, and development of curriculum and materials.