Sexual Assault and Students- Your Campus and Legal Rights

Your Rights as a College Student

You Have a Right To:

• Discuss options to change your academic or living situations on campus if you so desire

• Access counseling services
  

• Have others present at judicial hearings
  

• Be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceedings
  

• Be informed of your options regarding the notification of law enforcement.

Campus Sexual Assault Victim’s Bill of Rights (1992)

Rights Available to All Survivors of Sexual Assault

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 victim’s compensation for some of the losses incurred, such as:  medical expenses and lost wages

• Refuse to take a lie detector test

• After indictment, have your attacker 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

Information by:

Texas Association Against Sexual Assault

www.taasa.org

1-888-91-TAASA

Things to Remember:

• It is not your fault!
  - You did not ask for this to happen and no one deserves to be sexually assaulted.

• You may feel numb, shock, disbelief, embarrassment, shame, guilt, depressed, powerless, disoriented, fear, anxiety, anger, and/or denial. All of these emotions are common reactions to sexual assault.

• You are not alone!
  - There are people who can help. Contact Wellness and Prevention, the University Health Clinic, University Police, the East Texas Crisis Center, or other resources within your community as you work through the recovery process.
  

Resources