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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Cherelle Parker
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Parker to testify at public hearing on sexual assault
Has bill to allow for use of expert testimony in sexual assault cases
HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – State Rep. Cherelle Parker, D-Phila., will discuss the use of expert testimony in sexual assault cases at a public hearing starting 3 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 17 at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Brossman Center's Benbow Hall, 7301 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia.
Parker plans to re-introduce legislation in the state House that would allow an expert to provide testimony in sexual assault cases regarding any recognized form of post-traumatic stress disorder and counterintuitive behavior on the part of a victim.
"Pennsylvania is the only state that bans expert testimony about behaviors of sexual assault victims," Parker said. "Our state supreme court has maintained that a sex crimes expert's testimony improperly bolsters the credibility of the victim and is therefore inadmissible. I find that ridiculous, since it allows for jurors who may not have the background to determine what is behind certain behaviors and actions displayed by victims. Because many jurors may not be trained to make those determinations, I truly believe this process violates the victims twice. It is incumbent upon lawmakers to ensure that doesn't happen, ever."
Parker said the court has ruled that jurors can determine if a witness is telling the truth and has determined that there is no need for expert testimony addressing issues about post-traumatic stress or other common disorders in reaction to trauma.
"I believe this legislation is needed to provide jurors with the proper context in which to evaluate a victim's behavior and overcome myths and misunderstandings about the behavior of victims in sexual crimes," Parker said. "It is time to move past this outdated ban and provide victims with the help they need to bring their perpetrators to justice and move on with their lives."
Public participation and media coverage are encouraged at this hearing.