OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Cynthia Roe, R-Lindsay, has been appointed by House Speaker Kyle Hilbert to serve as the Oklahoma House majority party representative on the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) Board.

“I am honored to be appointed by Speaker Hilbert to serve on the SAFE Board,” Roe said. “This is a critical issue in our state, and I will work to ensure survivors are supported and that evidence is handled with the highest standards of care and accountability.”

The SAFE Board oversees policy and procedures regarding the collection, testing and storage of sexual assault forensic evidence kits in Oklahoma.

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, an estimated 17% of women and 3% of men nationwide have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. In Oklahoma, the rate of rape and attempted rape reported to law enforcement has been 35-45% higher than the U.S. average for the past decade.

“Sexual violence has left lasting scars on far too many Oklahomans,” Roe said. “These statistics show the importance of the SAFE Board’s work. Our job is to make sure the system serves survivors with compassion while providing law enforcement with the tools they need to pursue justice.”

Hilbert, R-Bristow, issued the appointment in a formal letter to Roe earlier this month.

“I appreciate Representative Roe’s willingness to serve in this capacity,” Hilbert wrote in his letter. “Her leadership and commitment will be valuable to the board and to the people of Oklahoma.”

The SAFE Board is a 17-member multidisciplinary body established in state law. Its membership includes two senators, two representatives, the attorney general, law enforcement leaders from state and local agencies, medical professionals, victim advocates and a sexual assault survivor.