MADISON, Wis. -- Two new bills introduced on Tuesday would allow victims of domestic violence to sue their attackers.

State Reps. Terese Berceau and Joe Parisi are sponsoring the legislation.

The bills also affirm that violence based on a person's gender is a civil rights violation. Victims could sue attackers for medical and legal expenses involved in domestic violence and sexual assaults.

Berceau, a Democrat, said victims have the right to hold their attackers accountable.

"Reality for survivors is physical, emotional, and financial. The 'Wisconsin Gender Violence Act' will provide a specific statutory cause of action which we will believe will encourage private lawyers to represent victims for the first time," she said.

The bill also increases the statute of limitations so victims could sue up to seven years after the offense.