Tuesday, April 26, 2022
This session, the General Assembly passed a new law to close the so-called "rape loophole." Previously, rape was only defined as having occurred if the victim was forced, threatened, mentally incapacitated or unaware of the attack. House Enrolled Act 1079 changes the law to include situations where a victim verbally or physically demonstrates the contact is not consensual.
This legislation enacts the known standard of "no means no" for defining the crime of rape.
HEA 1079 is supported by the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council.
Victims should have the ability to seek legal recourse in cases where they were sexually assaulted, and HEA 1079 will help more assault survivors get the justice they deserve for the crimes committed against them.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of sexual assault, click here to seek help or call 800-656-HOPE to connect with an advocate who will speak with you confidentially.
To read more about HEA 1079 and other legislation passed this session, click here.
