March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 51 F

County prosecutor honored for work with survivors of sexual violence

Luke ClippingerFor his legislative work protecting survivors of sexual violence, the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault honored State Delegate and Assistant State’s Attorney Luke Clippinger at its annual reception in Annapolis yesterday evening, Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams announced.

The coalition’s 2015 Visionary Award honors the work of those committed to ending sexual violence in Maryland. Del. Clippinger was recognized for successfully enacting bills aimed at protecting victims of sexual assault.

“As a member of the House Judiciary Committee, Delegate Clippinger was a strong advocate for survivors, never shying away from difficult issues,” leaders of MCASA wrote. “He always considers the needs of survivors of sexual assault and child sexual abuse as he formulates policy.”

Del. Clippinger was recognized for two pieces of legislation he authored in his first term. The first bill Del. Clippinger enacted extended the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution for possession of child pornography from one year to two years, giving law enforcement additional time for forensic analysis of computers. Del. Clippinger also successfully led the effort to expand the law that prevents authority figures from sexually exploiting teenagers. He is also credited with co-sponsoring other bills to help victims, including a bill to improve evidence in child sexual abuse cases and a bill to lower the standard of proof in protective and peace order cases.

Del. Clippinger said he was fortunate to partner with MCASA on a number of pieces of legislation in his first term.

“I’m proud of our accomplishments in fighting child pornography and strengthening laws that protect students from teachers who abuse their positions to seduce our kids,” he said. “My experience as an Assistant State’s Attorney has helped me get these bills passed and I look forward to working with the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Association and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams going forward.”

Mr. Adams said Del. Clippinger’s dedication and service to the victims of sexual assault exemplifies the mission of the State’s Attorney’s Office.

“I am thankful for his efforts to provide additional law enforcement tools to help protect us from those who prey on our children and teenagers and I am grateful that the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault recognized these efforts,” he said.

Del. Clippinger was among three honored at the annual ceremony. Other recipients of the 2015 Visionary Award include Laura Neuman, former county executive for Anne Arundel County and sexual assault survivor, and Rosalyn Branson, executive director for TurnAround Inc. in Baltimore.

The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault is a non-profit membership organization that works to support victims of rape and sexual assault and to help communities prevent the sexual exploitation of its citizens.

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