By: Khushi Prakash
The Washington Coalition to end Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) has partnered with Senator Tina Orwall to work on a SB 6017, legislation introduced to build on the existing FGM/C law. The bill is scheduled for hearing on Monday, January 26 at 10:30am PT before the Senate Law and Justice Committee.
The primary goal of SB 6017 is to expand survivor protections for sexual assault to include survivors of all acts of sexual violence, including FGM/C. If passed, FGC survivors would gain access to all resources and services available to survivors of sexual violence. These services include:
- Access to a no-cost medical forensic examination.
- Written notice of forensic exam rights and possible victim compensation.
- Referral to accredited community sexual-assault programs (and child-specific pathways when the survivor is a minor).
- The right to consult with an advocate throughout investigation, prosecution, medical exams, and interviews.
- Access to interpreter services.
- Written information about collection/preservation of forensic evidence and the ability to request preservation or advance notice before destruction of evidence kits.
Additionally, the bill would allow the expansion of scope and lifespan for the SAFE advisory group. The groups mission would be broadened to research and recommend trauma-informed, culturally sensitive policies to prevent and address FGM/C and other sexual violence. Proposed changes include increasing survivor representation within the group as well as extending the statutory expiration from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 2028.
How You Can Take Action Now (up to 1 hour before Monday’s hearing)
- Vote PRO on the bill here: PRO
- Write a comment to the committee here: COMMENT
- For virtual and in-person testimony please sign up here: Testify live
Please share with your contacts to garner as much support for this bill as possible.
