Victoria Burke advocates for Senate Bill 180 to protect sexual assault survivors in Oregon

The Oregon House Committee on Judiciary convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss Senate Bill 180, a proposed law aimed at protecting survivors of sexual assault from retaliatory defamation lawsuits. The meeting featured testimonies from key advocates, including attorney Victoria Burke and civil rights attorney Elizabeth Tang, both of whom shared personal experiences and insights into the challenges faced by survivors when speaking out.

Victoria Burke, the architect of the bill, recounted her own traumatic experience of being drugged and assaulted. She highlighted the difficulties she encountered when attempting to pursue justice, including the loss of crucial evidence by law enforcement. Burke emphasized the need for legislative protection, arguing that survivors should not have to worry about defending their abusers' reputations. She pointed out that current anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) laws do not adequately cover cases of sexual assault, as courts often view these incidents as private matters rather than public interest issues.

Elizabeth Tang, representing the National Women's Law Center, supported Burke's testimony by providing statistics on the prevalence of sexual violence in Oregon. She noted that many survivors remain silent due to the fear of retaliation, particularly through defamation lawsuits. Tang explained that these lawsuits can impose significant financial and psychological burdens on victims, often coercing them into silence. She advocated for SB 180, which would protect individuals who make good faith reports of sexual assault or harassment from retaliatory legal actions, while also providing them with access to attorney fees.

The committee's discussion underscored the urgent need for legal reforms to empower survivors and ensure they can speak out without fear of retribution. The proposed legislation aims to close existing gaps in protections for victims, aligning Oregon's laws with the intent of existing anti-SLAPP measures. As the bill progresses, advocates hope it will foster a safer environment for survivors to share their stories and seek justice.