Know Your Rights
The following rights of victims of sexual assault attach whenever a victim is subject to a medical forensic 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 medical forensic 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 medical forensic examination or an interview by a law enforcement officer.
Victims of sexual assault rights include:
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.
You have the right to be provided with a medical forensic exam and additional forensic services without charge. You can ask the person administering your exam whether they have been trained to do so. You have the right to decline any part of the sexual assault examination. You have the right to a shower at the medical facility after the examination.
You have the right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect and free from intimidation, harassment and abuse throughout the criminal justice process.
Your private 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.
Source: ICJI Rights of a Sexual Assult Victim
What expenses are covered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI)?
For victims of sexual assault, ICJI administers payment for certain costs associated with a medical forensic exam. These costs include (not limited to): a medical forensic exam, mental health counseling, certain diagnostic testing, initial pregnancy and follow-up pregnancy testing, certain laboratory testing for STDs, alcohol, drugs, suturing and care of wounds and other limited outpatient services. The approved costs will be paid by ICJI to the provider, pending certain conditions are met. Additionally, ICJI may also provide payment for: one follow-up pregnancy test, STD testing up to (30) days following the initial treatment, one syphilis test up to (90) days following the initial visit and mental health treatment up to $3,000. Services must be provided by a licensed mental health provider.
How do I track the status of my sexual assault kit?
In order to track the status of your sexual assault kit, please follow these instructions:
- Log in to the Victim Compensation Claims System by visiting:
vcc.cji.in.gov/Public/Home.aspx - Select the Sexual Assault Kit tracking module.
- Enter your sexual assault kit serial number and assigned pin.
Contact ICJI: 317-232-1233
www.cji.in.gov/2333.htm
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