Survivors of violence are entitled to protection and resources. A UC Davis CARE advocate can help explain your rights, accompany you through a reporting process, and get you connected to the right resources.

Victim Rights

Victims of sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, and stalking are entitled to certain rights outlined in both law and UC policy, some of those rights are listed below. For more information about rights pertaining to an individual situation, please contact a confidential victim advocate.

There are certain rights that victims are entitled to regardless of their intent to make a formal report to either law enforcement or the campus Title IX office, including:

• The right to receive a free evidentiary exam, also sometimes referred to as a “rape kit”.  For more information, read about VAWA exams here.
• The right to request a No Contact Order (UC Davis students only) and/or to apply for a protective order through the court.
• The right to supportive interim protections or accommodations (UC Davis affiliates only).
• The right to apply for reimbursement for expenses related to the assault or abuse.  The California Victim Compensation Board may be able to assist with certain expenses, including mental health care, even if the victim hasn’t reported the crime to the police.
• The right to apply for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order if a person has abused (or threatened to abuse) you; and you have a close relationship with that person (married/domestic partners, dating or used to date, have a child together, etc). 
• The right to apply for a Civil Harassment Restraining Order. Civil harassment is abuse, threats of abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or serious harassment by someone you have not dated and do not have a close relationship with.
• The right to enroll in a confidential address program to receive a free substitute mailing address to receive first class, certified, and registered mail. Learn more about the California Safe at Home Program here. 

• The right to register for VINE, a victim notification network, to access timely and reliable information about offenders or criminal cases in U.S. jails and prisons.

• When reporting to the UC Davis Title IX Office

• Individuals who have experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence, including sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking, have certain rights if they choose to report to the UC Davis Title IX Office.  These rights include:

  • The right to be informed of your right to notify law enforcement, and to be assisted by campus authorities in doing so.

  • The right to be informed of existing counseling, mental health or student services on and off campus, including the confidential CARE office.
  • The right to be informed of options for changing academic and living situations if requested and reasonably available.
  • The right to have an advisor and/or support person of your choice present during your Title IX interview(s).
  • The right to appeal the decision of the Title IX investigation (Student Adjudication Model only), and to have an advisor and/or support person of your choice at the appeal hearing.
  • The right to be informed of the outcome of the Title IX investigation and disciplinary proceeding.

• When reporting to Law Enforcement (including UC Davis Police Department)
• Individuals who have experienced sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking have certain rights if they choose to report to the police.  These rights include:
  
  • The right to have a victim advocate and/or support person(s) of your choice present with you during any interview with law enforcement authorities, district attorneys, and/or defense attorneys.*
  • The right to have a victim advocate and/or support person(s) of your choice at the evidentiary exam (for victims of sexual assault).*
  • The right to request that your name, telephone number, and the addresses of your home, work, and/or school be kept out of any police report or other public document.
  • The right to request a free copy of your police report.**
  • The right to a free forensic/evidentiary exam to gather evidence after a sexual assault.
  • The right to request information about the status and results of all evidence related to your case, including whether or not a DNA profile for the assailant was determined and if there was a match in the law enforcement database.
  • The right to be notified of your right to pursue a civil suit against your abuser for losses suffered as a result of the abuse, including medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other expenses for injuries sustained and damage to property, and any other related expenses.
  
  *Support persons may be excused from the interview or exam if the investigator or forensic examiner feels that they are interfering with the interview/exam. Victim Advocates may only be excused by the victim.
  
  **Granting a victim's request for the report is at the discretion of the police agency. Factors such as investigation status may affect how much information the victim can receive at that time.

For more information about victim rights in California, please visit the links below:

Victim’s Bill of Rights (Marsy’s Law)

Rights for Victims of Sexual Assault (AB 1312)

Legal Information for Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, and Human Trafficking