Austin budget request aims to better support survivors of sexual assault

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Some city council members are pushing for more resources for sexual assault survivors in this year’s budget, following a recommendation from the Austin Commission for Women. They say police need more victim services counselors after cuts over the last decade and additional training is needed.
As survivors are left waiting for justice in the midst of a major rape kit backlog, one tells KXAN the professional help made all the difference for her.
“As a sexual assau