Supporting crime victims and witnesses by promoting victim-centered, trauma-informed responses.

Summary

The measure creates new victim‑centered procedures, including allowing courts to appoint a representative to question victims when a defendant is representing themselves, and permitting minors 13 and older to consent to forensic exams for non‑fatal strangulation cases. It broadens definitions and rights for survivors of all sexual violence, including female genital mutilation, and requires free forensic exams, written notices, and advocate support throughout investigations and prosecutions. The goal is to make the criminal‑justice response more trauma‑informed and culturally sensitive.

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