Rights of a rape survivor

The WCC has provided the following as a guide to the way we should treat a rape survivor. A rape victim has these rights:

(1) The right to be believed.
(2) The right to be treated with dignity ,respect and sensitivity.
(3) To be considered a rape survivor when any unwanted act of sex is forced on her through any type of coercion, violent or otherwise
(4) To be considered a rape survivor regardless of the assailant’s relationship to her (such as being the survivor’s spouse)
(5) To be treated with as much credibility as a survivor of any other crime.
(6) To be treated in a manner which empowers her and enables her to determine her own needs and how best to meet them
(7) To use any means necessary to protect herself against any assailant and not be criminally prosecuted for harming the assailant during or immediately after the rape, or in the process of preventing rape
(8) To receive information on her rights as a survivor, the supportive services available and legal procedures and options open to her
(9) The right to appropriate medical, legal and counseling support
(10) To receive medical and mental health treatment and to participate in legal procedures only after giving her informed consent
(11) To receive prompt and effective police action to arrest and prosecute the assailant/s
(12) To have the best possible collection of evidence for court, especially that provided by the police and hospital personnel
(13) To receive prompt medical and mental health services whether or not the rape is reported to the police, and at no cost
(14) To have legal procedures which treat her with dignity and protect her rights
(15) To be asked only those questions that are relevant to a court case or for medical treatment
(16) To have her name and identity kept out of the media
(17) To obtain compensation from the assailant/s and/or the State
(18) To be given free legal advice on the possibility of pursuing a civil suit to recover damages against her assailant
(19) To have access to a secure living situation and other measures which will help to allay fears of future assault and to feel safe again