Senator Phil Boyle sponsors bill to avoid re-traumatization of sexual assault victims by sharing treatment sessions with offenders
(Albany, NY) In an effort to provide a safe and non-threatening outpatient treatment environment for sexual abuse victims, Senator Phil Boyle is sponsoring “Victim Safe Treatment” Bill (S.4251). The primary purpose of this bill is to create guidelines and procedures that prevent additional victimization of sexual offense victims while
receiving mental health or chemical dependence treatment.
This legislation was initially proposed by Long Island resident, Robin Roberts. Ms. Roberts has been at the forefront of protecting sexual assault patients who are receiving outpatient treatment.
“The passage of this bill is of great importance in maintaining the safest and healthiest treatment environment possible for both the facility and all its patients,” said Robin Robert. “This will minimize the risk of harm to
patients and alleviate the liability for negligence.”
Under the current Mental Hygiene Law, there is potential for sexual offense victims being placed in the same outpatient mental health and chemical dependence treatment therapy sessions as registered sex offenders. Unless
guidelines are created that address this issue, sexual assault victims may be subjected to additional traumatization including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
In order to ensure the safest environment for sexual offense victims, Senator Boyle is working towards amending the Mental Hygiene Law to include the development of guidelines and procedures for the treatment of sex offenders in outpatient group settings. These guidelines would be based on clinical-treatment standards that pertain to the segregation of sex offenders from the general outpatient population.
“Victims of sexual abuse should be commended for their efforts to receive treatment,” said Senator Boyle. “It is our job to guarantee that they feel safe and protected while receiving this treatment.”
For additional information or questions regarding “Victim Safe Treatment” Bill (S.4251) contact the Senator’s District Office Communications Department at (631) 665 2311 and ask for Christine Geed or Krista Knoblauch-McNally.
