Utah Law Protects Sexual Assault Survivors

SALT LAKE CITY — Advocates and survivors of sexual assault are celebrating new legislation in Utah, including a ban on polygraph tests for individuals reporting sexual assault. The new law prevents law enforcement and prosecutors from asking survivors to undergo polygraph examinations.

The Harm of Polygraph Examinations

Advocates emphasize that subjecting sexual assault survivors to polygraph tests can be deeply traumatizing. House Minority Leader Angela Romero, D-Salt Lake City, shared the story of a man, known as Andrew, who experienced this firsthand.

Andrew’s Story

Andrew, who accused his counselor of inappropriate touching, agreed to a polygraph examination. “That polygraph test came back as he could be being deceitful. It devastated him,” Romero recounted to a gathering at the Capitol on Wednesday. “It broke his heart, because he felt like he wasn’t being believed.”

Scientific Concerns About Polygraph Accuracy

The American Psychological Association has stated that polygraph tests are not considered reliable in forensic, legal, or employment contexts. The organization notes the unknown rate at which these tests incorrectly identify truthful statements as deceptive.

Years of Advocacy Lead to Success

Romero has championed versions of this bill for several years, finally securing its passage and signing by the governor last week. The law will take effect on May 6th. “I think what really motivated me to continue working on that bill was Andrew,” Romero explained. “He reached out to me and shared his story, and it really touched me, and I knew that I couldn’t let him down.”

Increased Reporting Rates & the 'Start by Believing' Campaign

The announcement was made during an event marking the start of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Dr. Julie Valentine, leading the Start by Believing campaign in Utah, highlighted progress in reporting rates. In 2008, approximately 12% of survivors formally reported abuse, a number that has risen to just over 25%.

'Start by Believing' Commitment

Utah was officially designated a “Start by Believing” state by former Gov. Gary Herbert in 2015. Valentine emphasized the state’s commitment to listening, responding with compassion, and believing those who come forward with reports of violence or abuse. “Eleven years ago, Utah made a commitment to change the way we respond when someone finds the courage to share that they have experienced violence or abuse — a commitment to listen, a commitment to respond with compassion and a commitment to believe,” Valentine said.