(Indianapolis, IN) - A local lawmaker has been recognized for his work in helping victims of sexual assault.

 

State Senator Mike Bohacek of Michiana Shores was recently awarded one of four 2022 Legislative Excellence Awards from the Indiana Prosecuting Attorney's Council.

 

Each year, IPAC presents the awards  to acknowledge work done in the name of expanding public safety. The latest recipients were selected for their work on legislation during the 2022 session that helped survivors of rape, human trafficking and child sexual abuse.

 

"I am honored to have been selected to receive an award for my work on legislation helping clarify the definition of rape. It's important to me to create and pass bills that will genuinely make changes in the lives of Hoosiers, and it is great to see people like those at IPAC that appreciate the work my colleagues and I do," Bohacek said.

 

With help from Bohacek, House Enrolled Act 1079 changed the definition of rape to include situations where someone's physical or verbal attempts to refuse the sexual actions of another are ignored.

 

Previously, Indiana law only charged someone with rape if the victim was threatened, forced or if the victim was mentally incapacitated or unaware that the intercourse is occurring.

 

IPAC testified in favor of HEA 1079 and supported it throughout the legislative process.

 

"No one deserves to go through anything this traumatizing, and I hope this law helps Hoosiers who have been sexually assaulted to get the legal justice they deserve," Bohacek said.