Child Abuse & Forensic Services

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Your Rights

You are in CONTROL

You can make the decision whether or not to file a police report.

You have the right to PRIVACY

Use a pseudonym (different name to protect your identity) and have your address and phone number kept out of court files relating to your case.

A FORENSIC EXAM

Free collection of evidence to support your case, whether or not you report the crime.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Be compensated through crime victims’ compensation for financial losses resulting from the criminal conduct , such as: medical costs, moving costs and lost wages.

BE BELIEVED

You can refuse to take a lie detector test.

Have PEACE OF MIND

After indictment, have your attacker tested for HIV/AIDS and be notified of the results.

Your SAFETY

Have your safety considered when bail is set.

Have INFORMATION

Be notified of all legal proceedings, including parole proceedings and the defendant’s custody status.

INPUT

Write a “victim impact statement” telling the court the impact the sexual assault has had on your life. This information will be considered during punishment and parole.
Source: Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TASSA)

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?

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)

Click the link above for more information on child abuse reporting from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

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.

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