Rep. Rebecca Raymer receives Champion of Justice Award

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – This afternoon, Rep. Rebecca Raymer was presented the Champion of Justice Award.

Members of the community and Med Center Health gathered Wednesday to honor Raymer for her contributions to legislation. Raymer sponsored two bills to better Kentucky’s response to sexual and abusive violence.

House Bill 219 requires mandatory training for all emergency department staff on sexual assault protocols. HSC 20 directs the legislative research commissions to review gaps and barriers to forensic exams in the ER.

Leaders who are advocates for the cause share what is means for future cases.

Melissa Whitley, executive director for Hope Harbor, says she believes “additional training to emergency department” will help in workers “know what to do and how to respond.”

Jenna Cassady, staff attorney for the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs, adds that “knowing better” allows hospital staff to “do better.” She says these measures can “provide all of the guidance” that medical providers and future generations need.

Raymer was presented the award on behalf of the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs for her commitments.