The following rights of victims of sexual assault attach whenever a victim is subject to a forensic medical examination or an interview by a law enforcement officer in relation to injuries, trauma, or an investigation resulting from an alleged sexual assault. You retain these rights regardless of whether you agree to participate in any civil or criminal proceeding related to the assault and regardless of whether you consent to a forensic medical examination to collect forensic evidence related to the alleged sexual assault.
- You have the right to be informed of your rights as a victim under Indiana law before the commencement of any forensic medical examination or an interview by a law enforcement officer.
- You have the right to speak with a victim advocate or victim service provider during any hospital visit for the purpose of receiving a sexual assault examination. If a victim advocate or victim service provider is not available, you have the right to speak with victim’s assistance or a social worker. You retain these rights even if you have waived one or more of these rights in a previous examination or interview.
- You have the right to speak with a victim advocate or victim service provider during the course of the investigation. If a victim advocate or victim service provider is not available, you have the right to speak with victim’s assistance or a social worker. You retain these rights even if you have waived one or more of these rights in a previous examination or interview.
- Your communications with a victim advocate, victim service provider, victim’s assistance, or a social worker are not admissible into evidence for any purpose except with your consent.
- A provider shall provide forensic medical exams and additional forensic services to you without charge.
- You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect and free from intimidation, harassment and abuse throughout the criminal justice process.
Signing this document indicates that you have read and understand your rights.
Know Your Rights Brochure
This brochure was created to help sexual assault victims in Indiana better understand their rights. Multiple languages are available. To download the brochure, click the link below.