Sen. Kaine introduces bills to help survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and/or gun violence

Sen. Kaine introduces bills to help survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and/or gun violence

by Kenzie Finch, Wavy:

Sen. Tim Kaine recently announced two separate bills to support survivors and victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and/or gun violence.

Kaine introduced the Support for Universities and Colleges to Champion the Educational Success of Survivors, or SUCCESS, Act. This legislation is meant to support victims of sexual assault, and other violence, and provide them the tools necessary to succeed in universities.

Around 13% of all graduate and undergraduate students report experiencing sexual assault or violence, and tend to have a lower grade point average, according to End Rape on Campus; Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, or RAINN. The SUCCESS Act would provide funding for universities and colleges to increase mental health services, provide higher education re-entry assistance for survivors and increase training. It also allows for some financial and academic accommodations, according to the release.

The SUCCESS Act is endorsed by American Psychological Association, RAINN and Survivor Fund Hub, the release states.

The second bill introduced is the Lori Jackson-Nicolette Elias Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act. This act protects survivors of domestic violence and gun violence, and was named after Lori Jackson of Connecticut and Nicolette Elias of Oregon, who were killed by their abusive partners using guns.

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