BILL NO. 243

(as introduced)

1st Session, 64th General Assembly
Nova Scotia
1 Charles III, 2022

 

Private Member's Bill

 

Sexual Assault Victims Support Act

 

Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
Cumberland North

First Reading: November 1, 2022

Second Reading:

Third Reading:

 

An Act to Support Sexual Assault Victims

Be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:

1 This Act may be cited as the Sexual Assault Victims Support Act.

2 In this Act,

(a) "law enforcement agency" includes the Nova Scotia Provincial Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and a municipal police department;

(b) "sexual assault" includes sexual misconduct and sexual violence.

3 Every law enforcement agency shall

(a) have a policy for how to handle sexual assault complaints; and

(b) provide mandatory education on sexual assault complaints to every new officer and yearly refresher courses for all officers.

4 When dealing with a sexual assault complaint, a law enforcement agency shall provide a supportive, non-judgemental and trauma-informed assessment of and communication with a victim.

5 A law enforcement agency shall deliver all evidence gathered relating to a sexual assault complaint to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a determination of what charges will be laid.

 

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