(Concord, NH) - U.S. Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement on the signing of the Survivors' Bill of Rights Act of 2016 into law by President Obama:

"The signing of the Survivors' Bill of Rights Act into law is an important step toward improving our justice system for survivors of sexual assault. I've pushed for this legislation because survivors face enough hurdles without also having to worry about whether they will be supported by the criminal justice system. I will continue to fight to ensure that survivors know they are not alone and can have confidence that they can achieve justice."

The Survivors' Bill of Rights Act of 2016, cosponsored by Kuster, would codify rights for sexual assault survivors, including the right to a medical forensic examination without charge. The legislation would also protect evidence, such as rape-kits, from being destroyed without notice or before the statute of limitation on a crime has lapsed. 

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