The Womxn Project is a statewide organization focused on leveraging the power of art, activism, advocacy and education to advance the principles of reproductive justice, which demands that we all have the right to determine when and how we build our relationships, families and futures and that we have the ability to live and raise our children with dignity.
We are proud to submit testimony in support of S. 249, which affirms that if a police officer has sex with someone they have arrested or detained, that is sexual assault. The fact is that if someone is in custody they are not able to provide consent.
A police officer has authority over a person they have arrested. This means that a person cannot freely and truly consent to sex. They are under duress and in many cases they are in fear. This is not a place where one can safely agree to sex or should be in such a position. It is coercive and an abuse of power. Simply put, it is assault.
When someone is being held, the state has a responsibility to care for them and keep them safe. Ensuring that no one feels pressured into having sex and making sure that anyone who uses their power in that way is held accountable is truly the least that we can do.
We urge you to vote yes on this legislation. Thank you.
Contact: Jocelyn Foye, 401-400-0061, [email protected]