Victim Rights
The information on this page was adapted from the Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance and describes a crime victim's rights in Iowa as outlined in the Iowa Code of Law. For tribal law victim rights information, or for those not living in Iowa, visit VictimLaw.
Page Contents
Sexual Assault Exam | Victim Advocate | Victim Compensation | Victim Notification | Pursuing Charges | No Contact Order | Restitution | Victim Impact Statement
Sexual Assault Exam
Iowa Code §915.41 ensures victims the right to have a sexual assault exam paid for from state funds regardless of whether the victim decides to report the crime or file charges against the perpetrator.
Victim Advocate
The right to have an advocate present is outlined in Iowa Code §915.20, which mandates that a victim counselor advocating at the request of a victim is granted access to any proceedings related to the offense.
What does an advocate do?
An advocate can help you throughout the medical and legal processes by:
- Remaining an understanding support person by your side throughout your medical examination, explaining all medical procedures and tests.
- Explain your options and choices concerning police reporting, your legal rights and supporting and accompanying you through any ensuing legal processes.
- Talk to you about the trauma of rape and the emotions that typically follow rape.
- Assist family members or friends who may accompany you in processing what has happened.
- Help you schedule follow-up counseling and support.
Victim Compensation
The right to apply for compensation from the Crime Victim Compensation Fund is covered under Iowa Code §915.84. The Crime Victim Compensation Program of the Iowa Attorney General’s Office pays out-of-pocket expenses incurred by victims as a result of injury and death from crime. To inquire about eligibility or to file an application, call the program toll free at 1.800.373.5044 or, in Des Moines, at 281.5044.
Victim Notification
Iowa Code §915.10-915.19 gives victims of crime (other than simple misdemeanors) the right to register in writing with their county attorney in order to be notified of the status of their case and their rights as crime victims, including information about the perpetrators’ whereabouts.
Pursuing Charges
Survivors of sexual assault have the right to pursue charges against the perpetrator.
No Contact Order
Pursuant to Iowa Code §709.20 or §915.22, a victim has the right to seek a no-contact order if the attacker is arrested for sexual assault.
Restitution
Under Iowa Code §915.100, a victim may submit all out-of-pocket expenses to the county attorney’s office and, at sentencing (after the perpetrator is found or pleads guilty), the county attorney will request that the offender be ordered to pay restitution.
Victim Impact Statement
Also at the time of sentencing, a victim/survivor has the right under Iowa Code §915.21 to submit a victim impact statement to the court. This statement may be presented in person or in writing, and affords victim/survivors the opportunity to publicly state the effects of crime on themselves and their families.
