If you are a domestic abuse or violence victim, you have rights. Depending where you live, your rights vary. However, states that subscribe to the Crime Victims’ Rights Act, most jurisdictions offer these basic protections:

• Right to be reasonably protected from the accused
• Right to reasonable, accurate and timely notice of any public court proceeding
• Right not to be excluded from any public court proceeding unless the court after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim heard other testimony at that proceeding
• Right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in the district court involving release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding.
• Right to full and timely restitution as provided in law.
• Right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay.
• Right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim’s dignity and privacy.

It’s important to note that these rights are not in effect until an arrest is made.

For more resources, refer to:National Domestic Violence Hotline