HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1677

                       As Passed House

                       March 15, 1993

 

Title:  An act relating to chemical dependency services for sexual assault and domestic violence victims.

 

Brief Description:  Developing chemical dependency services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.

 

Sponsors:  Representatives Brown, Karahalios, Wolfe, Thibaudeau, Campbell, Flemming, Jones, King, Holm, J. Kohl, H. Myers and Anderson.

 

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Human Services, February 25, 1993, DP;

Passed House, March 15, 1993, 96-1.

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES

 

Majority Report:  Do pass.  Signed by 10 members:  Representatives Leonard, Chair; Riley, Vice Chair; Cooke; Talcott; Brown; Karahalios; Lisk; Padden; Patterson; and Thibaudeau.

 

Staff:  David Knutson (786-7146).

 

Background: Individuals who have been sexually assaulted or experienced domestic violence are at greater risk of abusing alcohol or drugs.  Treatment programs for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence do not have ongoing training programs for staff and volunteers on the identification of and referral for substance abuse problems.

 

Summary of Bill: The Department of Social and Health Services will develop a curriculum for chemical dependency counselors, volunteers and staff of sexual assault and domestic violence programs.  The curriculum will be used at two training sites and will be evaluated by the department by January 1, 1995.

 

Fiscal Note:  Available.

 

Appropriation: None.

 

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

 

Testimony For:  Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault should be treated by staff who are aware of the heightened risk of substance abuse for victims.  Additional training for staff is needed.

 

Testimony Against: None.

 

Witnesses: Donna Deleno, Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs; Ken Stark, Department of Social and Health Services; and Mary Pontavolo, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.