Learning about your rights and legal options can help you make decisions about reporting the assault, seeking a protection order, or accessing accommodations at your school or place of employment. Michigan law gives victims' rights, access to information and other resources. You can choose whether you talk to the police or seek other protections. Some victims say that participating in the criminal process helped them regain a sense of safety and control.
While there is no obligation to do so, you can always
choose to talk to the police about a sexual assault or child sexual abuse. The
sooner an assault is reported, the better.
In addition to making a report to law enforcement,
anyone, including a child, who suspects child abuse or neglect, can make a
report to Children's Protective Services.
If you are a student and were assaulted at school or at a
school event, or if you were assaulted by another student, school faculty or
staff, the school may be able to help.
If you are a member of the military, National Guard, or
Reserves you may have special reporting options and helping services available
to you.
A PPO is a court order to protect a person from someone
who has sexually assaulted you, or someone who has made you afraid of being
assaulted.
The Michigan Constitution and certain Michigan laws
guarantee victims the right to be treated fairly, have access certain
information, and be offered a medical forensic examination.
Victims who have a sexual assault evidence
kit collected can have the kit tested and have a right to
certain information about the testing process.
MI-VINE is a free, confidential 24-hour
telephone-computer interface that allows crime victims and other citizens to
register to receive notices and information about offenders.
If you are injured because of a sexual assault, you may be
eligible for additional assistance through the Michigan Crime Victim Services
Commission Compensation program.
