Victim Rights & Resources

Being a victim of a crime can be traumatic. You may feel isolated and confused, and not know where to turn for practical advice or support. This handout highlights resources available to assist you and explains your rights as a victim under Arizona law.

As a victim of a crime in Arizona, you have a constitutional right to be treated with fairness, respect, and dignity, and to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse through the criminal process. All state, county, and municipal justice agencies and courts in Arizona are required to perform certain duties to ensure that you receive your rights.

Arizona has a statute that provides the victim the ability to seek medical treatment for the collection of sexual assault evidence without charge to the victim. The victim does not need to aide in prosecution in order to seek medical treatment for the collection of sexual assault evidence. It is the victim who will decide if he/she wishes to pursue criminal charges.

Some ways to preserve evidence include:

• Refraining from washing, bathing, showering, or douching.
• Refraining from washing clothes or other items worn/used during the incident.
• Do not delete text messages or emails