Victims of sexual abuse undergo a lot, mentally and physically. Dealing with the aftermath of the assault by itself is hard for the victim. It will be even more traumatizing to deal with finances and bills to heal. The victims are handed bills to pay for certain expenses, which the rape test does not cover in some cases.
The expenses – high medical bills for sexual assault
Federal law says victims need not pay for the rape kit exam. The rape test determines any trace or evidence in the victim’s body to identify the current condition and the criminal. It does not cover HIV tests (one of the tests of the rape kit exam) or emergency room expenses. Such expenses befall the victim. The expenses of contraception and medication as a preventive measure for any sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) do not come under the rape kit exam.
The treatments for physical damages that the victim might have as a result of the assault, like a broken bone or wounds in the rectum or vagina, are not covered in cases.
The law interdicts charging the victim for forensic evidence collection. The public funds of the government cover forensic evidence collection. Sexual assault victims are billed for their expenses, despite federal laws, for covering expenses.
Activists and attorneys fight for the rights of the victims and to cover the expenses. To sort the demand or the compensation takes quite some time.
Victims claim how they feel like going through the entire scenario of abuse once again when they explain what they went through for the process of compensation. The victims are not just bound to financial expenses, but it also costs them mentally.
The mental state
Physically, there are laws to cover to some extent, but for the mental trauma one goes through, there is none. The therapeutic assistance that the victim might need has to be one’s responsibility, along with the expenses.
Insurance
If an individual is insured, it might cover the expenses, but not all. If the victim is not insured, they can claim compensation from the government. The process requires some time, as it is not an immediate effective action.
The change
- The law can be made liberal in terms of covering the victim’s expenses, not just the physical assistance but the mental therapeutic aid as well.
- Medical services and avails can be made affordable and accessible for anyone in need, not just victims.
- To bring awareness among people about the rights they are entitled to.
- Even additional criteria should be covered by insurance, making it even more all-inclusive.
- Taking the needs and conditions of sexual assault seriously and the taboo surrounding the victim has to change.
- Bringing in judiciary changes alone will not suffice. In terms of how the victim is perceived and handled, society must adapt as well.
The victimization after the sexual assault has to change and acknowledge their needs emotionally, financially and by every means. Let us believe that the current status of the victims’ high medical bills for sexual assault will soon change.
