In Wisconsin, basic civil rights are not guaranteed for survivors of sexual assault. Instead, survivors are often left to navigate a confusing system without the rights and support that they need. Sexual assault is a crisis in Wisconsin – 1.8 million Wisconsinites have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime, including 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men. Nationwide, hospital visits related to sexual assault have increased 1,533% since 2006, and the rate of sexual assault has been rising even more rapidly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the most pressing problems facing sexual assault survivors in Wisconsin is the length of time that it takes for state crime laboratories to process sexual assault forensic evidence kits. Senate Bill 43, recently introduced by Senator André Jacque, would require that, when survivors have consented to analysis, their sexual assault forensic evidence kits will be processed in 90 days or less.

Please sign this petition to join Rise in calling on the Wisconsin State Legislature to immediately give SB 43 a committee hearing and pass this common-sense legislation that will help provide sexual assault survivors with the justice they deserve. Protections for sexual assault survivors in Wisconsin are needed now more than ever before, and it’s time for our legislators to do something about it!

Sign this petition, and then please consider sharing this petition on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.