Every defendant in every criminal case has rights: the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney if they cannot afford one and the right to be free from unreasonable searches. Victims have rights, too. But they don’t have the right to an attorney free of charge or the right to privileged communications with the prosecutors who are trying to put their perpetrators behind bars. Their family members or parents don’t have the right to an attorney, either.

Imagine you find yourself a victim of sexual assault, or worse yet, your child or a minor family member has been assaulted. After the initial panic, pain, fear and anger, you realize that you have questions. Where do you go? Do you hire and pay for an attorney to help you navigate the criminal prosecution process? Or to help you address the family or custody issues that might be involved? Or just answer your questions or be a sounding board for your frustration or fears?