ADVOCACY
Supporting survivors.
Inspiring change.
Remote Testimony for Adult Victim-Survivors
In 2026, Coles led the effort to change Colorado law after facing the possibility of having to testify all over again, in the same room as the man who stalked her. She asked a simple question: Why should victims have to be physically present with the person who harmed them in order to testify? That question became a first-of-its-kind Colorado law allowing adult victims of stalking, domestic violence, unlawful sexual behavior, and human trafficking to testify remotely under certain circumstances, protecting survivors from unnecessary trauma while preserving defendants’ constitutional rights.
Why This Matters
For many survivors, the courtroom can become a second place of trauma. Being required to testify only a few feet from the person who stalked, assaulted, or terrorized you can make it difficult to communicate clearly — or keep you from participating altogether. Remote testimony offers courts a carefully balanced tool that protects constitutional rights while giving survivors the opportunity to be heard.
“She had to change her entire life, almost go into hiding, and yet Coles Whalen is so poised and forceful in bringing her story into the legislative environment, which can be intimidating for people. She did an amazing job, and I think it helped seal the deal for getting support from that committee.”
Colorado State Sen. Mike Weissman
Sponsor, SB 26-095
THE MAP SO FAR
Colorado passed it. Nine more are trying.
These states are actively considering or have introduced legislation to allow remote testimony for adult victim-survivors in court.
Colorado
Law passed — SB 26-095
California
Legislation underway
Florida
Legislation underway
Montana
Legislation underway
North Carolina
Legislation underway
Oregon
Legislation underway
Pennsylvania
Legislation underway
Tennessee
Legislation underway
Utah
Legislation underway
Washington, D.C.
Legislation underway
TAKE IT FURTHER
Let’s bring this protection to your state.
If you’re working to bring remote testimony protections to your state, Coles would love to help. She can share what worked in Colorado, provide testimony, connect you with advocates and lawmakers, and help guide the effort from an idea to meaningful change.
RESOURCES
Everything you need to make the case.
One-Pager
Educate yourself and key stakeholders about the problem, Colorado’s solution, and the state and federal action needed.
Floor Debates
The questions, testimony and conversations that shaped the law in Colorado, to help inform similar efforts in your state.
Signed Law
Review the signed law (Section 6) to see Colorado’s new remote testimony protections for adult victims.
If you need help
You are not alone. You are not to blame. Here are hotlines and organizations that support victims of crime.
COLES BELIEVES
Transformation is contagious.
- Music transforms people.
- People transform culture.
- Culture transforms policy.
- Policy transforms lives.
Media Kit & Speaker Sheet