Koutoujian Leads Charge to Save SANE - 12/20/2009
Koutoujian Leads
Charge to Save SANE
BOSTON - Just weeks ago the lights were about to be turned off on the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program (SANE) due to cuts in the state budget. Now, thanks to the efforts of victim's rights advocates across the state and the leadership of Representative Peter J. Koutoujian (D-Waltham), crucial funding for SANE was reinstated in next years budget.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners collect forensic evidence, perform medical exams and provide emotional support for children and adult victims of rape across the Bay State. The $1million cut, equaling 30% of the total program budget, would have had a crippling effect, leaving the program unable to provide services. These nurse also provide courtroom testimony which, combined with their quality evidence collection, has led to a 90% conviction rate. Prosecutors, police and medical experts concur that the program is critical in protecting victims and keeping rapists off the streets.
"Adult and child victims of rape and assault will have the opportunity to receive services which both begin the healing process and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice," Koutoujian said.
The Representative was responsible for filing the legislation which mandated the creation of the SANE program. As a longtime advocate for victim's rights, Koutoujian, along with members of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Massachusetts Children's Alliance, the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center, and Jane Doe Inc. recognized the danger in eliminating these services and worked to reverse the decision when the devastating cuts were announced.
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