(INDIANAPOLIS) – A bill that would protect victims of sex crimes from dealing with additional trauma during the legal process passed the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday.
Victims age 16 and younger often face depositions before trial where they are interviewed by the attorney of the accused abuser. They are often asked about what happened to them in detail.
State Rep. Jerry Torr (R-Carmel) says legislation he is working on would limit these instances to protect the victims.
“During these interviews, sex abuse victims are asked to recount some of the worst days of their lives, which could prolong a child’s pain and suffering,” Torr said. “The legal process should be a time for survivors to receive justice for the horrible crimes committed and begin healing without having to retell their story over and over again.”
If the bill passes, the defense counsel would still have access to forensic interviews and the right to confrontation during the trial.
Torr’s bill cleared the committee by a vote of 10-1. It goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
