New Missouri Task Force Wants Feedback to Help Sexual Assault Victims

A newly-formed state task force wants to hear from the public to help strengthen protections and services for Missouri’s sexual assault victims.

The Missouri Rights of Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force is seeking comments and suggestions through an online survey on its website. Feedback is allowed through September 30.

The task force was created through a law requiring it to study the tracking and investigating of complaints about the handling of sexual assault investigations and reporting, and documentation provided to survivors informing them of their rights. The law also directs members to review the need for additional employees or volunteers at rape crisis centers and ways to get additional manpower. The panel has also scheduled four online public hearings – one in August and three in September – to hear from experts in a variety of fields.

The task force survey follows President Biden signing into law Missouri Congresswoman Ann Wagner’s bill to prevent cuts to federal grants supporting services for victims of serious crimes.