Nobody deserves to be abused!

Every human being has the right to live in safety.

Survivors' Rights

• You have the right to not be violated, abused, or assaulted.
• You have the right to say "no" and have it be respected.
• You have the right to freedom from fear of violence.
  
  

If you are a victim or survivor of crime:

• You have the right to free crisis counseling, advocacy, and support
• You have the right to free medical exams and treatment
• You have the right to free consultation with an attorney
• You have the right to confidential conversations with your crisis worker and Network advocates [1]
• You have the right to notification of any related court proceedings and the status of the person that offended against you

• You have the right to request and expect assistance from social service agencies, medical providers, law enforcement and the courts.
• You have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
• You have the right to as much credibility as a victim of any other crime.
• You have the right to be asked only questions that are relevant to a court case, investigation or medical treatment.

• You have the right to decide what is best for you, not what others think is best for you.
• You have the right to express your own thoughts and feelings.
• You have the right to be angry about past abuse or assault.

• You have the right to be concerned about your children and seek support for them.
• You have the right to choose to make changes in your life and relationships

For more information or questions on what to expect as a survivor, please contact your local Network program. Advocates are available 24 hours per day and can direct you to services and programs that may be appropriate for you.

Your Legal Rights

The Vermont legislature recognizes the importance of aiding victims after an offender has entered into the criminal justice system. Survivors of crime have legal rights that are designed to protect them by ensuring that crime victims are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. The statute’s goal is to minimize future financial, emotional and physical harm to those who are forced into the criminal justice. (13 V.S.A. §5303)

•  Victims of crime shall be treated with courtesy and sensitivity by the court system and the state's attorney's office.
• The process of criminal prosecution is to move smoothly and expeditiously
• At the end of a prosecution, staff should cooperate with victims who seek to enforce their civil rights

For a full list of your legal rights as a victim, please contact a program advocate or your States’ Attorney’s victim advocate for more information.