HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 138

(By Delegate Hill and Delegate Pack)

[Introduced February 29, 2020]

Requesting a study of sexual violence prevention and intervention services.

Whereas, one in six women and one in 21 men will be victims of attempted or completed forcible rapes in West Virginia; and

Whereas, the number one reason for incarceration in DOC facilities in 2018 was forceable sexual assault, and inmates were incarcerated at an annual cost of $36,049,477; and

Whereas, comprehensive sexual violence services are currently provided through nine regional rape crisis centers in West Virginia; and

Whereas, these rape crisis centers comprise the state sexual assault coalition - the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services (FRIS); and

Whereas, rape crisis centers provide the only 24/7 crisis intervention services for sexual assault victims; and

Whereas, in addition to crisis services, crisis centers reported providing 1719 prevention programs to 16,801 students/individuals last year, and 316 professionals attended 14 FRIS-sponsored prevention training events; and

Whereas, the state provides $125,000 annually for rape crisis services in West Virginia – a 75% decrease from what was authorized in 2012; and

Whereas, $800,000 has been requested by rape crisis services for expanded needs;  therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct a study on sexual violence prevention and intervention services; and, be it

Further Resolved, that the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the Legislature, on the first day of the regular session, 2021, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations together with drafts of any legislation to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, that the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.