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Bill will open Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Act to victims of strangulation
DENVER, CO– The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Monica Duran and Terri Carver to open the Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Act to victims of strangulation. The vote was 64-0.
“The cost of forensic medical examinations is often a barrier for victims of strangulation, and can prevent them from helping law enforcement investigate the crime,” said Rep. Monica Duran, D- Wheat Ridge. “This bill takes an important step forward to advance justice. With this bill, victims of strangulation will be eligible for compensation for cooperating with law enforcement by undergoing a forensic medical examination for this heinous crime.”
The Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Act allows crime victims to receive compensation for cooperating with law enforcement officials. Under HB21-1165, victims of strangulation would also be eligible for compensation to help cover the costs of forensic examinations to aid in law enforcement investigations. Costs can be a significant barrier to obtaining a forensic medical examination, and sometimes the physical effects don’t appear for several days after the crime was committed.