Executive Order 38 (2006)

Creating the Commission on Sexual Violence

Importance of the Issue

The General Assembly and this administration took giant steps to develop important legislative and budgetary initiatives to manage sexually violent predators.  While these efforts may prevent future crimes, the same level of energy and attention needs to be focused on the treatment of current victims of sexual violence and the prevention of future acts. 
           
Sexually violent predators represent only a small minority of offenders and, given the physical and emotional trauma experienced by victims of sexual violence, research indicates that the vast majority of sexually violent acts are never reported.

Additional investigation of initiatives to support sexual violence prevention activities and comprehensive services to crime victims is essential and complementary to the recent efforts to manage perpetrators.  This would further ensure the safety and health of citizens of the Commonwealth. 

Accordingly, in this order I establish a Governor’s Commission on Sexual Violence.

Establishment of the Commission

While many localities have taken voluntary steps to address sexual violence within their communities, additional tools and resources are needed.  Accordingly, based on the consultation with and the best professional advice from the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources and Public Safety, I am hereby formally establishing the Governor’s Commission on Sexual Violence, to improve the treatment of crime victims with emphasis on the Commonwealth’s efforts to prevent and respond to sexual violence.   

This Commission, through its work, will promote: appropriate and uniform criminal justice responses to sexual violence, comprehensive services to victims and effective prevention initiatives.

Composition of the Commission

The Governor's Commission on Sexual Violence shall be co-chaired by the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources and Public Safety.  Recognizing that these efforts will require the work of individuals across a broad spectrum of professions and expertise, the Commission shall consist of 38 members appointed by the Governor and serving at his pleasure.  Appointees shall include representatives of state agencies, the General Assembly, advocates for victims of domestic and sexual violence, law enforcement, and health professionals.  Additional members may be appointed at the Governor’s discretion. 

Staff support for the commission will be provided by the Secretaries of Health and Human Resources and Public Safety. 

Duties of the Commission

The Commission's responsibilities shall include the following.

1. Review the recommendations set forth in Senate Document 18 (2005) and in the Sexual Violence State Plan as well as other relevant reports and studies.
2. Seek input and comment through regional public hearings to gather information.
3. Design strategies for implementing recommendations from these sources, including prioritization, approach, timeline, and designation of duties to accomplish the Commission’s stated purposes of preventing and responding to sexual violence.
4. Design strategies to institutionalize recommendations into practice across Virginia. 
5. Make any other recommendations as may be appropriate.

The Commission shall make an interim report of its activities by September 30, 2007. At that time, I will consider the need to review the commission for an additional year.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective October 10, 2006, and shall remain in full force and effect until October 10, 2007 unless amended or rescinded by a further Executive Order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 10th day of October 2006.

/s/ Timothy M. Kaine, Governor

Attest:

/s/ Secretary of the Commonwealth