Rights of Sexual Assault Victims

All victims of crime have rights, including the right to information about their case and the justice system, the right to protection, the right to privacy, the right to participate in the criminal justice process and the right to compensation.

Sexual Assault is a Crime

You have the right to refuse sexual contact; no one is allowed to force unwanted sexual contact under any circumstances.
You have the right to know that your sexual assault is a crime which has been committed against you.
You have the right to be treated by persons who know that you are not to blame for your sexual assault.
You have the right to have your safety and security considered at all stages of the process.
You have the right to have reasonable, appropriate and necessary measures taken to protect you from intimidation and retaliation.
If you are 18 or over, you have the right to decide if you want to report your sexual assault to police. (The law requires a sexual assault committed against anyone under 18 to be reported.)

Treatment

You have the right to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
You have the right to privacy and confidentiality.
If you choose to report your sexual assault to police, you have the right to be examined by a competent forensic examiner.
You have the right to be treated for the physical effects of sexual assault without cost.
You have the right to be given a full explanation of medical and treatment choices, of legal processes, and of the resources and services that are available to you.

Information

You have the right to fully participate in all decisions related to your care.
You have the right to ask questions and to receive honest answers.
You have the right to be fully supported in your decisions.
You have the right to receive information on care and treatment of any potential future physical and emotional health problems related to this event.
You have the right to information about options for raising concerns if you believe your rights have not been respected, including information about filing a complaint.

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