As a survivor of a sexual assault, you have rights.

You have the right to:

• Ask questions, if you are uncomfortable or uncertain about something
• A WEAVE Advocate and/or support person of your choosing present at all law enforcement and legal interviews, medical follow-ups and at all court proceedings. (Penal code 679.04)
• Information on the status of your case. For updates on the case, you may contact the detective or the SART office, who can act as a liaison for you.
• Confidentiality. WEAVE Advocates DO NOT work for law enforcement or the District Attorney’s office, and will not disclose any information you discuss without your written consent.
• Reimbursement for counseling, medical, and loss of wages associated with the assault, through the California Victim Compensation Board, if you made a report to law enforcement.
• Protect your identity. It is against the law for the media to identify you as the survivor of a sexual assault without your permission.
• Be treated with respect at all times.
• Revoke your testimony at any time. (Except in cases involving domestic violence. The District Attorney may file charges without the consent of the survivor, even when testimony is revoked.)
• Add to your initial statement as you start to recall details more clearly. Please contact the detective to add to your statement.
• Decline an interview with defense attorneys and their investigators. If you decide to speak with the defense attorney, please make sure that you have your advocate or the prosecuting attorney with you.
• Reschedule an interview for a time when you will be better able to participate. Please express this concern to your detective or District Attorney.
• Decline phone interviews because you are unable to confirm the identity of the person on the other end of the line. To protect yourself and the case, you can request that all interviews be conducted in person.

You also have the right to do nothing with your case.