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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | November 13, 2019 11:39 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jeanne McNeill and Rep. Harry Readshaw, Rep. Sheryl M. Delozier, Rep. Dan Moul |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Study on Sexual Assault and Mental Health |
| Countless barriers exist when seeking mental health treatment following sexual trauma and too often money and accessibility rank at the top of that list. Sexual assault recovery is a highly individualized journey that looks vastly different for all survivors. Victims of sexual assault and rape seek mental health treatment at all stages of their healing; however, we continue to fail in providing the support they deserve when they decide they are ready. Victims of sexual assault and rape suffer from severe mental health disorders almost immediately after the trauma, and left untreated, often struggle with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. 1 in 10 survivors will attempt or die by suicide – a direct reflection on the shortcomings of our current approach in supporting these vulnerable Pennsylvanians. As such, I am requesting that the Joint State Government Commission conduct a study to determine ways in which we could better connect survivors of sexual assault and rape to mental health services. From college campuses, places of worship, and workplaces, no community is left untouched by this pervasive epidemic. This issue has been neglected long enough. Please join me in supporting this resolution, as we show survivors that we are willing to provide them with services they need to heal. |
Introduced as HR642