Victim Resources

If you’ve experienced a crime, you have rights and resources. Below we list university services, other local resources and the rights that you have in Texas.

Resources at Texas State

Local Resources

Texas Crime Victim Rights

A victim of a violent crime is: someone who is the victim of sexual assault, kidnapping, or aggravated robbery or who has suffered bodily injury or death because of the criminal conduct of another; the close relative (spouse, parent, brother/sister, or adult child) of a deceased victim; or the guardian of a victim. As a victim of violent crime, close relative of a deceased victim, or guardian of a victim, you have the following rights:

1. The right to protection from harm and threats of harm arising from cooperation with prosecution efforts.
2. The right to have your safety and that of your family taken into consideration when bail is being considered.
3. If requested, the right to be informed about court proceedings, including whether they have been canceled or rescheduled.
4. If requested, the right to information about procedures in the criminal investigation of your case by law enforcement, and about general procedures in the criminal justice system, including plea bargaining, from the prosecutor’s office.
5. The right to provide information to a probation department conducting a pre-sentence investigation on the impact of the crime.
6. The right to receive information about the Texas Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund, which provides financial assistance to victims of violent crimes and, if requested, referral to social service agencies that may provide additional help.
7. If requested, the right to be notified of parole proceedings by the Board of Pardons and Paroles, to participate in the parole process, and to be notified of the inmate’s release.
8. The right to be present at all public court proceedings, if the presiding judge permits.
9. The right to be provided with a safe waiting area before and during court proceedings.
10. The right to prompt return of any property no longer required as evidence.
11. If requested, the right to have the prosecutor notify your employer of the necessity of your testimony that may involve your absence from work.
12. If requested, the right to counseling and AIDS/HIV testing for victims of sexual assault.
13. The right to request victim-offender mediation coordinated by the Victim Services Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
14. The right to complete a victim impact statement detailing the emotional, physical and financial impact the crime has had on you and your family, and to have that statement considered by the judge at sentencing and by the parole board prior to taking any parole action.

Source: adapted from the Texas Attorney General’s victim rights information.