Kuster Statement on NH Supreme Court's Consideration of Rape Shield Law

Statement

This afternoon, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) released the following statement in response to the New Hampshire Supreme Court's order to stay its ruling on a sexual assault case that could potentially invalidate the rape shield law. The rape shield law currently serves to prevent defendants from publically disclosing sexual assault victims' sexual history.

"Sexual assault survivors and their families deserve to have their personal histories protected during all stages of the justice system -- during the trial, conviction, appeal, or otherwise. It takes an immense amount of courage for survivors to come forward after an assault, and it is of the utmost importance that our judicial system takes all appropriate measures to ensure they are adequately protected once they seek justice. In Congress, I have been proud to advocate for sexual assault victims and to work to strengthen the systems in place on our college campuses, in our Armed Forces, and in communities across the country. As the New Hampshire Supreme Court weighs a case that could invalidate the current rape shield law, which protects sexual assault victims from having their sexual histories admitted in court, I urge the Court to uphold this important provision that is so vital to victims' fundamental right to privacy."

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