Wis. Law Protects Sexual Assault Victims from Drinking Charges
The bill is intended to remove the fear some sexual assault victims have of being punished after reporting the crime.
A new law in Wisconsin will protect sexual assault victims in college from being punished for underage drinking.
On March 24, Governor Scott Walker signed Assembly Bill 808, which forbids disciplinary action by public colleges in the state against underage students who’ve been the victim of sex-related crimes, according to cbs58.com.
Governor Walker said the law “encourages victims of sexual assault to seek medical attention and help from law enforcement without fear of retribution.”
Under the guidelines, the student must cooperate with emergency responders when they arrive to the scene. Bystanders reporting sex crimes would also be immune to underage drinking penalties.
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The bill also prohibits schools in the University of Wisconsin System from imposing sanctions on certain students found to have been underage drinking.
“First and foremost, our top priority is to ensure the safety of all students on college campuses throughout Wisconsin,” Walker said.
The bill had passed the Assembly and Senate through voice votes.
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