In its press release, the American Association for Justice lauded President Biden’s signing of a law that will strengthen protections and access to justice for sexual assault and harassment survivors.
The release notes, “Thank you, President Biden, for signing into law this groundbreaking measure that will empower those who have been sexually harassed or assaulted with the choice on how to seek justice. For too long, powerful corporations have silenced the survivors of sexual abuse in secretive, corporate-controlled proceedings created by forced arbitration clauses that were buried in the fine print of legal contracts. Today, this form of re-victimization of survivors comes to an end, thanks to the brave advocates who spoke out and the bipartisan group of leaders in Congress who stood with them.”
Details of the Recent Legislation
The new legislation will provide broader access to justice for survivors of sexual violence. The new version of the law will also strengthen rape prevention and education efforts as well as training for those in law enforcement and the judicial system. In the three years since the Violence Against Women Act was last authorized, members of Congress, advocates and even Angelina Jolie worked to not only reauthorize the law but to modernize and update it. The new version includes protections for Native American, transgender and immigrant women that had been lacking.
At Rheingold Giuffra Ruffo Plotkin & Hellman we have represented these courageous survivors in court for years now. We know the difficulties and obstacles they face, some of which have been removed by this new law. We applaud the President for his firm and consistent action against sexual harassment and violence.
