Select Committee on Veterans' Affairs

JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT

SPONSORS OF BILL:

Select Committee on Veterans' Affairs

Rep. Al Adinolfi, 103^rd Dist.

Rep. Frank N. Nicastro, 79^th Dist.

REASONS FOR BILL:

This bill ensures that communications from military personnel who are victims of sexual assault to military sexual assault counselors is confidential.

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

Thaddeus J. Martin, Major General, The Adjutant General:

Major General Martin submitted testimony in support of SB-115. He stated that the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program promotes confidential reporting for military victims of sexual assault to specified individuals. The reporting action gives the soldier access to medical care, counseling and victim advocacy, without doing an investigation. Major General Martin stated SB-115 will ensure that the confidentiality of communications is honored by Connecticut for disclosures made to military victim advocates or military sexual assault prevention coordinators.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Debbi Newton, Legislative Chairman of the Connecticut National Guard Association of Connecticut (NGACT):

Ms. Newton stated that this bill provides confidentiality between military members and military assault counselors as is federally recognized. Further, it provides protection for victims of sexual assault to feel free to seek help within military channels.

Gary E. Waterhouse, Vietnam War Veteran:

Mr. Waterhouse testified that protecting information between sexual assault counselors and sexual assault victims will help to promote victim recovery and expand a rape victim's rights.

Keeping such information confidential develops a trusting and healing relationship between victims and counselors and cultivates the type of connection necessary for recovery. Mr. Waterhouse testified that many state legislatures already have enacted legislation privileging the communication between victim and counselor; however the degree of that privilege varies from state to state.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

N/A