Gov. Timothy M. Kaine signs sex-crime measures

June 3, 2008 | Virginia News

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine yesterday presided over the ceremonial signing of 13 bills designed to further protect victims of sexual violence.

Included among the measures passed this year by the General Assembly:

• Victims will not be required to take a polygraph test as part of the investigation into their claims.
• The state will pay for forensic medical examinations of victims regardless of whether they assist in the prosecution of their case.
• Local courts will be required to immediately file protection orders to a state police database.
• Stalking victims will be eligible to receive payments from the criminal compensation fund.
• Men who sexually attack girls 14 to 16 years old will no longer have a defense against criminal charges by offering to marry the victim.

"There were some antiquated aspects of Virginia law that weren't just in the books -- they were being used," Kaine said in a brief interview. "So I think anything we can do to make sure we're treating [victims] of sexual and domestic violence in a better way is good."