ND Bill to Help Sexual Assault Victims

When a woman is sexually assaulted, they can receive a specific exam. But there seems to be a problem in the process in North Dakota.

In the state, there’s an extreme shortage of sexual assault nurses.

For 24 hours, a young woman had to stay in her clothes that she was raped in before finally receiving an exam according to State Senator Carolyn Nelson.

“Finally the third place she went they were able to do the proper examination and she was able to get out of those clothes. Most people have the feeling right away getting out of those because they are so dirty but by doing that you’re just destroying evidence that might be needed later on,” said Senator Nelson.

The bill spearheaded by Senator Nelson is aiming to prevent rape victims from enduring these long waits.

Rape and abuse crisis center’s Myla Korbel said, “If someone waits a long period of time they’re exhausted their tired, they want to go home, they’re scared. And they may wait too long past that evidence collection time and their opportunity is not available.”

It’s said that at least fifty more sexual assault nurses are needed, because of the growing population in North Dakota.

Many of these nurses are in Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks, places like Devils Lake have none.

The bill would add a program there and bring awareness to the problem.

“These girls are victims and need to be treated as victims not somebody who becomes the person you’re going to attack. This is a person who is a victim and needs proper care, “said Senator Nelson.

If the bill passes it may help women in their journey to recovery. According to Senator Nelson, the bill will be on the house floor this next week.