Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Kits
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS
Understanding Sexual Assault in New Jersey
- Crime Victims New Jersey Constitutional Amendment Crime Victims Constitutional Amendment (nj.gov)
- Crime Victim’s Bill of Rights — Crime Victims Bill of Rights (NJS 52:4B-36)
- 2019: Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights — PDF (state.nj.us)
- The Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights was enacted in 2019 to outline basic protections and fundamental rights for victims, such as the right to have any allegation of sexual assault treated seriously, the right to be treated with dignity and compassion, the right to be free from blame, and the right to be free from any suggestion that reporting to law enforcement is the only way to guarantee their rights. Additionally, the victim has the right to activate SART – the multidisciplinary response including law enforcement, a forensic nurse examiner (FNE) who may conduct a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kit or Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA) Kit with the victim’s consent, and a Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate (CSVA) receive financial compensation for expenses resulting from the assault, and a civil protective order (VASPA Order[1]).
- 2023: The Victim’s Assistance and Survivor Protection Act (VASPA) PDF (state.nj.us)
- The Victim’s Assistance and Survivor Protection Act (VASPA) provides victims of sexual violence, stalking and cyber harassment, who are not covered by domestic violence statutes, the ability to seek civil protective orders against their offenders. The VASPA was built upon and now replaces the Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act (SASPA), which previously covered survivors of sexual violence.
- 2019: Legislation enacted to extend the statute of limitations in civil actions for sexual abuse claims — PDF (state.nj.us)
- Significantly extends the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims. All victims of sexual assault have seven years to pursue civil action against the person or institution that harmed them 7 years from the abuse or seven years from discovery of the abuse that caused harm, whichever.
- Adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until age 55 or seven years from the discovery of the abuse that caused harm (whatever is later).