Your Legal Rights as a Survivor of Sexual Assault

Submitted by Sarah Zomper - Texas State Students in Free Enterprise

The following information was obtained directly from the Texas Association Against Sexual Assault website: www.taasa.org

You have a right to:

• Make the decision whether or not to file a police report or third-party information report.
• Privacy: Use a pseudonym (different name to protect your identity) and have your address and phone number kept out of all files relating to your case.
• Have the forensic exam paid for by the law enforcement agency.
• Be paid back through crime victims' compensation for some of the losses incurred, such as: medical expenses and lost wages.
• Refuse to take a lie detector test.
• Have your attacker be tested for HIV/AIDS and be notified of the test results.
• Have your safety considered when bail is set.
• Be notified of all legal proceedings
• Write a "victim impact statement" telling the court the impact the sexual assault has had on your life. This information will be considered during punishment and parole.
• Be notified of any parole proceedings and defendant's release from prison.

What is SIFE?

Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) is a global, non-profit organization that is literally changing the world through highly dedicated student teams on more than 1600 university campuses in 40 countries. SIFE offers these students the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise, thereby improving the standard of living for millions in the process.

Guided by distinguished faculty advisors and supported by businesses around the globe, SIFE Teams teach important concepts through educational outreach projects, including market economics, entrepreneurship, personal and financial success, and business ethics to better themselves, their communities and their countries. Each year, SIFE competitions are held worldwide, drawing together thousands of students and business leaders to pay tribute to these extraordinary educational outreach projects.

SIFE has been helping others achieve their dreams through free enterprise education for more than 25 years. Today SIFE is the world's preeminent and largest university-based free enterprise organization.