Victim rights should be available to all victims of crime - including those victims
of family violence. The following represents possible interpretation of victim rights when
applied to family violence.
The right to protection from intimidation and harassment.
the right to enforceable restraining orders;
the right to secure safe shelter.
The right to information.
the right to have all options and alternatives
explained;
the right to information on available services
and on case status.
The right to counsel.
the right to have a friend in court for support;
the right to have charges filed by the
prosecutor;
the right to have help in dealing with the system
and with other family members.
The right to reparations.
the right to compensation for injuries;
the right to restitution;
the right to have restitution ordered in divorce
proceedings if violence was a precursor to the divorce.
The right to property and employment.
the right to keep the home when a
separation/divorce occurs as a result of violence;
the right to employment counseling.
The right to due process.
the right to a speedy disposition of the case;
the right to use videotaped depositions in
traumatic cases;
the right to have opinions taken into
consideration at case disposition.
The right to be treated with dignity and compassion.
