Domestic Violence Victims Have Rights

Victims of domestic violence have rights, pursuant to Iowa Code Section 236.12.

As a domestic violence victim, you have the right to:

1. Keep your attacker away from you, your home, and your place of work.
2. Remain in your residence.
3. Custody of your children and obtaining support for you and your children if your attacker is legally required to provide such support.
4. Professional counseling for all involved parties. 
5. A Protective Order.
6. Assistance from the courts without cost.
7. Restitution.
8. Apply for victim compensation.
9. Transportation to the hospital for medical treatment.
10. Have the officer remain at the scene until you are safe from physical harm.
11. File criminal charges for threats, assaults, or other related crimes.

Pursuant to Iowa Code Section 915.20, ALL VICTIMS have the right to:

Request the presence of a victim counselor at any proceeding related to the offense.  This includes, but is not limited to, medical examinations, law enforcement investigations, pretrial court hearings, and trial and sentencing proceedings. 

You can get information on the custody status of an offender by contacting 1.888.7.IAVINE.

If you want to talk with an advocate about your rights, please call us at 1.800.382.5603.