A Rape Victim’s Rights

To be treated with dignity and respect.
To be given as much credence as a victim of any other crime.
To be considered a victim of rape when forced into any unwanted act of sex through any type of coercion, violent or otherwise.
To be asked only those questions that are relevant to a court case or to medical treatment.
To choose whether to report the rape to the police.
To receive medical and mental health treatment and participate in legal procedures.
To receive medical and mental health services whether or not the rape is reported to the police.
Not to be subjected to prejudice based on race, sex, class, age, lifestyle, or occupation.
Not to be asked questions about prior sexual experience.
To have access to unbiased support persons, such as advocates and peer counselors.
To be provided with information about all possible options related to legal and medical procedures.
To have his/her name kept out of the media.
To be considered a victim of rape regardless of any possible relationship to the assailant, such as a boyfriend, girlfriend, or spouse.
To have deterred the assailant by any means necessary. No one should be criminally prosecuted for harming an assailant during a rape or attempted rape.