Sexual assault victims in Louisiana are being forced to pay out of pocket for their own forensic physical exams. The expenses run into the thousands. A New Orleans woman was questioned and photographed for six hours while nurses collected tissue samples, drew blood and offered medication to prevent pregnancy and STDs.
Eight days after the traumatic ordeal, she received a bill for nearly $2,000. She owed $600 after insurance. If this weren't bad enough, she received a second bill a few days later, charging an additional $1,700, including an $860 fee for an emergency room visit.
Rape is a crime, and a rape victim's care and treatment should not be her financial responsibility. Victims should be encouraged to come forward, not slapped with fees that could destroy them financially. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nearly two-thirds of assault victims never go to law enforcement. Fining them for coming forward definitely doesn't help matters.
Assault victims deserve a safe place to go for help after their attack, and it should be free of charge. Tell Louisiana State Authorities to stop adding insult to a bad situation -- tell them to stop charging rape victims for forensic physical exams!
We, the undersigned, are shocked to learn that Louisiana's sexual assault victims are being forced to pay out of pocket for their own forensic physical exams. Recently, a New Orleans woman was questioned and photographed for six hours while nurses collected tissue samples, drew blood and offered medication to prevent pregnancy and STDs.
Eight days after the traumatic ordeal, she received a bill for nearly $2,000. She owed $600 after insurance. If this weren't bad enough, she received a second bill a few days later, charging an additional $1,700, including an $860 fee for an emergency room visit.
Rape is a crime, and a rape victim's care and treatment should not be her financial responsibility. We believe victims should be encouraged to come forward, not slapped with fees that could destroy them financially. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, nearly two-thirds of assault victims never go to law enforcement. Fining them for coming forward definitely doesn't help matters.
Assault victims deserve a safe place to go for help after their attack, and it should be free of charge. We urge you to stop charging rape victims for forensic physical exams. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
