Taylor & Ring Supports AB 1138

At Taylor & Ring, we support legislation that helps victims of rape and sexual assault get access to the resources they need. We supported changes in our laws that expanded or eliminated the statutes of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims. We supported federal legislation to do the same. We have fought tooth and nail to help survivors get what they need, and to ensure they are treated with dignity.

And that is why we are proud to support AB 1138. The bill states:

As a condition of receiving state funds for student financial assistance, this bill would require the trustees and the regents to provide to their students free of charge and, to the extent possible, in a manner that protects student confidentiality, transportation to and from a local Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) or Sexual Abuse Response Team (SART) exam center for a qualified health care provider to administer the sexual assault forensic medical evidence kit. The bill would authorize a campus health center staff member to transport the student to and from a local SAFE or SART exam center for a qualified health care provider to administer the sexual assault forensic medical evidence kit. The bill would require, as a condition of receiving state financial assistance funds, the trustees and the regents to submit a report to the Legislature on whether their respective institutions have provided transportation for students to and from a local SAFE or SART exam center for a qualified health care provider to administer the sexual assault forensic medical evidence kit and the manner in which students received the transportation.

One thing of note about AB 1138 is that it was created by students; Assemblymember Akilah Weber worked with them on the crafting of the bill.

How will AB 1138 help sexual assault victims?

While many colleges are equipped with resources and advocates who are educating and fighting against sexual abuse on campuses, physically getting to places to report an assault is a challenge for many students. In fact, a 2018 report from U.S. News & World Report highlighted 11 colleges where either no students or barely any students have cars on campus. In addition, the College Parents of America stated that less than half of students in college have vehicles on campus. First year students in particular may not be allowed to bring their vehicles to school. When a student is sexually assaulted and has no way to report their abuse or take a forensic test, they may feel helpless and decide to never make a report or get the help that they need.

Furthermore, many college students do not want to tell their families or friends about their sexual abuse. They would prefer to go to a SAFE or SART exam center confidentially, but this is not an option when students do not have a car or transportation to get there.

The good news is that AB 1138 is seeking to provide transportation options for college students to exam providers. This will help sexual assault victims because they will know that they have access to forensic exam centers. In addition, they will not need to tell anyone that they feel uncomfortable talking to about their sexual abuse. Instead, all they need to do is let a college staff member know about the abuse and ask for transportation to a SAFE or SART office location.

Transportation, or lack thereof, should never be barrier to reporting a crime like rape or assault. That is why we strongly support passing AB 1138.

How common is sexual assault on college campuses?

Sexual assault on college campuses is a huge concern. Here are a few of the statistics given by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) organization (RAINN) regarding this issue:

• Around 13 percent of all college students are sexually assaulted or raped through violence or force.
• 7 percent of graduate female students and 2.5 percent of graduate male students are raped or sexually assaulted through violence or force.
• More than 26 percent of female undergraduate students and more than 6 percent of male undergraduate students are raped or sexually assaulted through force or violence.
• Sexual assault is the number one crime that occurs on college campuses.
• Only 20 percent of female college students report their sexual abuses to authorities.
• College women are three times as likely to be sexually assaulted.

There are about 2.5 million college students in California alone. If the statistics are correct, then approximately 325,000 California college and/or university students will be raped or sexually assaulted. When this happens, their entire world can be sent into turmoil, causing them to feel confused, stressed, frustrated, unsafe, embarrassed, humiliated, and so much more. The trauma – both physical and emotional – can last a lifetime. Therefore, it is critical that college students get the help that they deserve, and our team at Taylor & Ring believes that AB 1138 will help tremendously in the state of California.

How Taylor & Ring can help you with your sexual assault case

Taylor & Ring is a premier law firm for handling sexual assault cases on behalf of students. Our team of injury lawyers has the experience, knowledge, and skills to help you file a sexual assault lawsuit and hold the perpetrator accountable for their actions. We are aware of the laws surrounding these issues at the college-level and know what it’s like to go up against public institutions and private schools. We have what it takes to stand up to your abuser and demand the compensation you need and deserve for your damages. We can:

• Thoroughly explain the process of filing a claim for sexual assault on campus
• Provide legal advice about your different options
• File a lawsuit on your behalf
• Work with your doctors, professors, employers, and other third-parties to determine the true extent of your losses
• Investigate the scene of the assault and gather applicable proof and documentation
• Hold every party liable for their actions
• Protect your right to privacy through the use of aliases in the filing, and ensuring that any news media coverage is directed toward us, so you can retain your anonymity

If you have been sexually assaulted in Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California, Taylor & Ring is here to help you navigate the legal process. We understand how traumatic and devastating these cases can be, but we can assure you that we will remain by your side from beginning to end. Our team is glad to answer any questions or concerns you have about filing a sexual assault lawsuit today. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule an appointment today.