TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Rape victims could be allowed to give testimony against their alleged attackers through closed circuit television or behind a two-way mirror under a bill that was approved by a Florida Senate committee.
The bill was approved unanimously by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Monday. It would provide the same protections now allowed for victims under the age of 16 or who have an intellectual disability who have to testify against an attacker.
Republican Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto said the deep trauma suffered by rape victims can make it difficult to confront their attackers in court.
Public defenders are opposing the bill.
The committee also approved a bill that would raise the age in which children can testify through closed circuit television from under 16 to under 18.
