Your Rights
Your Rights
- You are in CONTROL
- You have the right to PRIVACY
- A FORENSIC EXAM
- FINANCIAL SUPPORT
- BE BELIEVED
- Have PEACE OF MIND
- Your SAFETY
- Have INFORMATION
- INPUT
Source: Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TASSA)
Sexual Assault exams without Police Involvement
Sexual Assault exams without Police Involvement
If a sexual assault victim is not ready to get police involved, she or he still has the option to have a sexual assault examination conducted. No police report is required.
Who Can Get a Non-Report Sexual Assault Exam?
Who Can Get a Non-Report Sexual Assault Exam?
Any victim of sexual assault who does not wish to involve the police can receive a non-report exam, as long as she or he:
is at least 18 years old,
arrives at the medical facility within 120 hours (5 days) of the assault, and
consents to the exam
If a child (anyone younger than 18) has been sexually assaulted , that MUST be reported to law enforcement under Texas’ mandatory reporting laws.
Source: Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TASSA)General Reporting Requirements in Texas :
- The law requires that any person who believes that a child is being abused, neglected or exploited report the circumstances to the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services Abuse Hotline, 1-800-252-5400. (You do not need to have proof, only to believe it is happening.)
- The person making a report is immune from civil or criminal liability if the report is made in good faith. The name of the person making the report is confidential.
- Any person suspecting abuse and not reporting it can be liable for a Class B misdemeanor.
Reporting Requirements in Texas for Specified Professionals:
- If a professional (teacher, counselor, police officer, medical professional, etc.) has cause to believe that a child has been or may be abused or neglected, the professional must make a report within 48 hours of learning of the abuse or neglect.
- You may not delegate to or rely on another person to make the report.