Rep. Mannix: Bill gives legal protections for sexual assault survivors

By State Representative Kevin Mannix
May 27th, 2025

Today, Representative Kevin L. Mannix (R-Salem) applauded the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 180 A, ensuring that when victims disclose abuse in good faith, their words are treated as privileged communication — shielded from defamation suits.

“Sexual violence is already underreported. We’ve made progress in encouraging survivors to come forward but without the legal safeguards provided by SB 180 A, their courage is met with a new threat: weaponized defamation lawsuits. These lawsuits don’t seek truth — they seek silence,” said Representative Mannix. “SB 180 A is a crucial step in protecting the voices of sexual assault survivors from being silenced by wealth, power, and legal intimidation.”

SB 180 A protects the rights of individuals falsely accused — allowing them to bring legitimate claims when they can show statements were made with malice. SB 180 also gives survivors the power to defend themselves — including the ability to recover legal fees if they prevail, ensuring access to legal representation even for those without financial means.