Your Rights

You have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity.

• Choice – You can choose if you want to report to the police, talk to investigators, or add to your statement. You can change your mind at any time.
• Confidentiality – no one at CNVC can talk to anyone about anything you have told them in private without your written permission.
• Support – during interviews with police and any medical exams you have the right to have an advocate present. You may also have a support person of your choice, like a close friend or family member with you, though the police can ask the support person to leave when they talk with you.
• Protect your name – If you have been sexually assaulted, the newspapers and TV cannot use your name without your permission.
• Financial help – If you made a report to the police and work with the police, you may be able to get help with medical services, counseling, or lost pay. Victim Witness advocates through the District Attorney’s office can help you with the forms you need to apply for this help.
• Protection – from harassment from the suspect, the suspect’s friends or attorney. You do not have to talk to people or lawyers in person or on the phone if you aren’t sure of who they are.
• Information – about the progress of the case. You also have the right to make a victim impact statement in court.
• To ask questions – You have the right to ask questions at any time.