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Legal Options and Rights

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Legal Options and Rights

LEGAL OPTIONS AND RIGHTS

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. 


LEGAL OPTIONS AND RIGHTS Video

Learn More About Your Legal Options and Rights

REPORTING TO POLICE

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.

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REPORTING TO CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES

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.

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OTHER OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS AND TITLE IX

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.

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OPTIONS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL AND VETERANS

If you are a member of the military, National Guard, or Reserves you may have special reporting options and helping services available to you.

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PERSONAL PROTECTION ORDERS

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.

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VICTIM RIGHTS IN MICHIGAN

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.

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VICTIM RIGHTS TO EVIDENCE KIT TESTING INFORMATION

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.

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VICTIM NOTIFICATION AND SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY

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.

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VICTIM COMPENSATION

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.

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