INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A bill that gives rights to survivors of sexual assault has cleared a major hurdle in the Indiana Statehouse.

One in three women and one in four men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Sexual assault impacts every community and can happen to anyone.

“This is the most traumatic time of their lives. Everything is upside down,” said State Sen. John Ruckelshaus, (R-Indianapolis). “They’re scared, they’re upset.”

It happened to Joy Ryder in the late 1970s.

“The statistics are true. You don’t talk about this for at least 10-15, could be 20 years,” said Joy Ryder who is a survivor of sexual assault.

Ruckelshaus’ bill, which unanimously passed the Indiana Senate Tuesday, gives specific rights to sexual assault survivors.

“What it calls for is a sexual assault response team and usually by the state or the local officials to be the lead person. That lead person to be responsible for working with that victim, that survivor,” said Ruckelshaus.

According to the bill, those rights include speaking with a sexual assault counselor, police collection of forensic evidence, and evidence analysis. Survivors of sexual assault will not be required to pay for any of it.

“I think it’s awesome, that they don’t have to pay for that!” Ryder said. “That’s absolutely fantastic!”

“I think it’s a strong message to survivors, the victims that are out there, predominately women, saying ‘We understand. We care. We’ve got your back’,” said Ruckelshaus.

So who would pay for this?

Ruckelshaus told News 8 a combination of local and state money along with philanthropy would cover the costs.

“There’s also foundations that come in and help with such things as some of the medical bills that these women, primarily, have been traumatized and have to go through these examinations,” said Ruckelshaus.

Ryder said she feels like this is a step in the right direction.

“They’re making strides,” Ryder said. “They’re moving forward in all of these areas. It’s great, we’ll take it.”

If the bill passes the House, Ruckelshaus says the law would take effect July 1.