Do you all remember this video from school? I definitely wasn't paying attention then to the legislative process like I am now!
Since 2015, I've been hearing from people who have experienced sexual violence only to never receive justice or validation. It makes it very hard to heal.
What was first just an idea became a bill (Special thanks to Representative Sandra Feist and Senator Sandy Pappas). Now it's heading to the House and Senate's public safety committees on Wednesday, and we need your support to move it forward:
Would you be willing to copy/paste/personalize the email below and send it to the Committee members? You can copy/paste the whole group into one big email. Legislators have told me directly that these emails really make a difference. Thank you!
To: rep.kelly.moller@house.mn.gov, rep.paul.novotny@house.mn.gov, rep.sandra.feist@house.mn.gov, rep.jeff.witte@house.mn.gov, sandrap@mnsenate.gov, ronl@senate.mn, sen.clare.oumou.verbeten@mnsenate.gov, sen.warren.limmer@mnsenate.gov
RE: Support for HF 104 / SF 2200
Dear Public Safety Committee Leadership of the House & Senate,
I'm writing to ask that you please support HF 104 / SF 2200, which will be heard in your committee on Wednesday, March 26th.
The bill would protect data collected in restorative practices from being used in court proceedings. I urge you and your colleagues to lend your full support to this critical piece of legislation to provide significant benefits to victims of sexual violence.
Restorative Practices offer an invaluable opportunity for accountability, focusing on repairing harm rather than solely punishing offenders. They can empower survivors and foster healing for all involved. However, the fear that an admission of guilt or an apology shared in these practices could be used in a civil or criminal case deters offenders from participating.
97% of rapists walk free, and the need for restorative options for sexual violence is urgent.
I respectfully urge you to support this legislation. By doing so, you will be making a significant step toward justice and healing for victims of sexual violence.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Full Name + City of Residence