NCJ Number
191663
Date Published
November 1997
Length
47 pages
Annotation
This guide was written to help citizens of Virginia understand the emotional impact of a sexual assault, as well as the medical, law enforcement, and court procedures that a victim may experience. It also includes information about victim rights.
Abstract
Sexual assault is a violent crime, and a frightening experience. Rape, sodomy, sexual battery, and attempts to commit these crimes are some of the types of sexual assault offenses. Forced, unwanted sexual contact against an adult, or any sexual contact against a child under the age of 12, is a crime. The victim is the primary witness in sexual assault cases and, therefore, the most important part of the case. Without the assistance of the victim, it would be almost impossible to convict the offender. Criminal justice personnel realize how difficult it is for the victim to go through law enforcement interviews, medical procedures, and court appearances. This booklet helps victims of sexual assault understand the procedures they may go through and makes the experience less confusing and frustrating. The booklet contains the following topics: concerns and expectations; trauma: how victims may feel; talking to someone a victim trusts; medical concerns; HIV/AIDS; confidentiality; rights as a crime victim; if someone a victim knows has been sexually assaulted; options and decisions (not reporting, third party reporting, reporting with the intent to prosecute); the initial law enforcement interview; the medical examination; interviews (investigator’s, prosecutor’s); court procedures; preliminary hearing; trial; tips on testifying; sentencing; parole; victim input program; compensation for victims of crime; sexual assault facts and myths; and awareness and risk reduction tips (for stranger sexual assaults and for acquaintance sexual assault). The booklet also contains a glossary of commonly used terms and common sexual assault charges in Virginia.