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State Comforts Sexual Assault Victims

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 11, 2008

Victims of sexual assault shouldn't have to worry about their identities being exposed or not being able to take a few days off work to seek help.

But nothing should be taken to chance. Which is why the Florida Legislature and Gov. Charlie Crist were right to enact new state laws designed to protect victims of this brutal crime.

The two pieces of legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mike Fasano of New Port Richey and signed into law by the governor a few days ago, do two important things: They grant sexual assault victims up to three-days' leave from their jobs, and exempt the names and other identifying personal information of victims who happen to be public workers from public records.

The laws make perfect sense for several reasons. You can't assume all employers will have enough compassion to allow victims to take time off to seek court injunctions, medical care and counseling, among other possible needs.

These victims need help, support and understanding - no questions asked.

The law also is fair to employers, especially of small businesses. Employers can decide whether the three-days leave should be paid or not. And the statute only applies to employers with 50 or more workers, though all employers should be willing to follow it.

Creating public-records exemptions should only be done when there is a compelling necessity.

But sexual assault victims should be shielded. Without this exemption, anyone could review paperwork relating to a worker's leave request and discover the assault. This could be traumatic to the victim - especially if the information were to get into the hands of the assailant.

The Legislature and Crist adopted the same protections for victims of domestic violence last year, and it makes sense to include the victims of sexual assault, another devastating crime.

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