The Legislature finds that rape and sexual assault are crimes of violence that are both underreported and increasing in incidence; that victims of rape need support services and counseling that are currently unavailable from traditional medical or legal institutions; that the recent formation of local and regional rape crisis centers has provided rape and sexual assault victims with vital counseling and intervention services; and that the volunteer efforts of these and future rape crisis centers shall be supported and enhanced on a statewide basis, if possible. The Legislature declares that it is consistent with public policy to fund counseling and preventive educational programs by rape crisis centers.

PL 1983, c. 826, §1 (NEW).