Victim Rights

In Connecticut, all victims of crime have rights that are protected by law.

You have the right to:

• Assistance in obtaining immediate medical care, if required;
• Request to be notified of court proceedings, including arrest, arraignment, and release of the offender;
• Be protected from harassment from an employer for appearing as a witness if you have received a subpoena;
• Have property returned if it was seized by police in the investigation or prosecution of the crime committed against you;
• Make an application for compensation for any bodily injuries you have suffered as a result of the crime;
• Request to be informed of services and agencies that can help you, including the assistance of a court-based victim advocate.

In addition, if you are a victim of family violence, including threats of violence:

• The police have the responsibility of whether or not to make an arrest. An officer can arrest your abusive partner with or without your consent if the officer believes a crime has been committed.
• You have the right to request the arrest of an offender and the right to file a complaint with the police.
• If your abusive partner is arrested for a family violence crime, he/she must appear in court the next court day, at which time you can request a protective order.
• If your partner is arrested, there is a family violence victim advocate in court to provide services and support to you. Family Violence Intervention Units in each court evaluate cases and provide services for both victims and offenders.
• If you want to know when your partner is scheduled to appear in court, you can contact the clerk of the court for that information. You are encouraged to keep in touch with the victim advocate to see which court hearings are important for you to attend.

To obtain a court order to stop further physical injury or harassment contact the clerk of the civil court, family violence victim advocate or a lawyer.

For a full explanation of your rights, Rights of Crime Victims is available to you.