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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SENATOR BRUCE CAIRNS January 8, 2004 303-866-3432 Contact: Kelley Harp or Meghan Whedon 303-866-3344 COLORADO STATE SENATE STATE CAPITOL DENVER, 80203 NEW SENATE BILL AIMS TO PROTECT VICTIMS OF UNLAWFUL SEXUAL BEHAVIOR Denver - Sen. Bruce Cairns, R-Aurora, aims to protect the identity of victims of unlawful sexual behavior through Senate Bill 60, which was introduced in the Senate earlier today. This bill allows the prosecution in an unlawful sexual behavior case to obtain a protective order requiring all parties to refer to the victim in court filings and proceedings as "John Doe" or "Jane Doe." In the event any party violates a protective order, the victim may be entitled to actual damages in the amount of $5,000 in civil court. Sen. Cairns believes this bill will "not only assist in protecting a victim's privacy, but also encourages victims of sexual assault to pursue prosecution." In addition to identity protection, Senate Bill 60 provides victims of sexual assault with the right to have a victim advocate and a support person present at any interview by law enforcement authorities, district attorneys, defense attorneys or investigations. A support person may also accompany the victim to the witness stand during testimony. "This bill could not be introduced at a more crucial and ironic time, especially considering Denver hosted Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers last night," Cairns said. "More importantly, this bill will serve to ensure that victims do not become double-victims." State Sen. Bruce Cairns represents Senate District 28 which includes South Aurora and portions of Arapahoe County. Cairns is Chairman of the Local Government Committee, Vice Chairman of the Education Committee, and serves on the State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee and the Capitol Development Committee. His address is State Capitol, 200 East Colfax, Denver, CO 80203. -30- |