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On Monday 9/23, CHH had the honor of joining other advocates and legislators to witness the ceremonial signing of bill H.4350, An Act criminalizing sexual assault by fraud of a medical professional. This was a milestone in legislation in support of survivors of sexual violence.
In the past, medical providers and clergy could go unpunished for sexual assault, given that physical contact in hospitals and some counseling environments often goes unquestioned. Providers have taken advantage of their patients' trust, taking away their bodily autonomy and ability to consent by making false claims related to treatment or necessary examinations. Seven years in the making, the bill closes a loophole that allowed this to happen without consequences.
In the long-term, this means more trust: when providers and clergy can be held accountable, the community will feel safer seeking services and guidance. We also hope that the law will give survivors more agency. The bill reiterates that your body is yours; informed consent is the rule.
CHH would like to give special thanks to:
@massgovernor and Lieutenant Governor
Vilma Uribe and the Governors Council
Senator Bruce Tarr
Senator James Eldridge
Representative Kate Hogan
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan
Thank you for all the work you do to support survivors!
#massachusetts #lowell #believesurvivors #chhlowell
On Monday 9/23, CHH had the honor of joining other advocates and legislators to witness the ceremonial signing of bill H.4350, An Act criminalizing sexual assault by fraud of a medical professional. This was a milestone in legislation in support of survivors of sexual violence.
In the past, medical providers and clergy could go unpunished for sexual assault, given that physical contact in hospitals and some counseling environments often goes unquestioned. Providers have taken advantage of their patients' trust, taking away their bodily autonomy and ability to consent by making false claims related to treatment or necessary examinations. Seven years in the making, the bill closes a loophole that allowed this to happen without consequences.
In the long-term, this means more trust: when providers and clergy can be held accountable, the community will feel safer seeking services and guidance. We also hope that the law will give survivors more agency. The bill reiterates that your body is yours; informed consent is the rule.
CHH would like to give special thanks to:
@massgovernor and Lieutenant Governor
Vilma Uribe and the Governors Council
Senator Bruce Tarr
Senator James Eldridge
Representative Kate Hogan
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan
Thank you for all the work you do to support survivors!
#massachusetts #lowell #believesurvivors #chhlowell
