Understanding Victim Protection in Ohio

The state of Ohio has implemented many different measures to protect and support victims of serious crimes. This includes crimes like acts of violence, sexual assault, stalking and more. Even after successful prosecution of the perpetrator, the traumatic impact that the crime leaves on the victim can go on indefinitely.

In an ideal world, the perpetrators should be made to pay the victim to pay for medical care, counseling, lost wages and for the pain and suffering they inflicted.

 The criminal system doesn’t do a good job compensating victims, even with well-intentioned victim compensation programs. This is why it’s often a good idea for victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes to contact a civil sexual assault personal injury lawyer.

The team at the Buckeye Law Group excels at identifying sources of compensation and holding responsible parties financially liable for their actions.

Crime Victim Rights

Ohio has a number of programs and laws specifically to address the needs of crime victims. These policies help ensure their voices are heard throughout the entire legal process and in the future. Whether someone has been a victim of assault, robbery, domestic violence or any other criminal act, the state does make an effort treat victims with fairness, dignity and respect.

From a criminal standpoint, victims have the right to be informed about the progress of the case and are also allowed to actively participate in their defense. The process most notably falls short when it comes to matters of civil compensation, where it’s not always easy for victims to receive truly fair financial recovery.

Protection Orders

Victims of crimes like domestic violence and stalking have the right to seek protection orders in Ohio to prevent future attacks and safeguard their continued well-being. A protection order is also known as a restraining order. It is a legal document issued by a court that protects an individual from harm or harassment by a specific person. The protection order usually restricts the proximity in which the person can come near the victim.

Violating a protection order can result in severe legal consequences for the perpetrator.

Victim Compensation Program

Ohio operates a Victim Compensation Program, offering financial assistance to victims of violent crimes. This program helps cover expenses like medical bills, counseling, funeral costs and lost wages. The goal of the Victim Compensation Program is to take the financial burden on victims, so they can focus on healing from their crime emotionally and seeking justice against their perpetrator.

While this program is well-intentioned, it’s far from comprehensive. At best the program will pay for some (rarely all) medical and counseling costs, but it won’t address the psychological or physical pain and suffering victims experience. Hiring a sexual assault lawyer may allow you to access more funds and make the responsible parties pay a real financial cost for their actions.

Address Confidentiality Program

To enhance the safety of victims, Ohio offers an address confidentiality program called Safe at Home. This program allows victims of domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking or sexual offenses to use a substitute address to protect their confidentiality.

Ohio Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights

Ohio has also put in place a Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights. This contains the specific rights of survivors in sexual assault cases including:

• Rights During Forensic Examinations: Survivors are informed about their rights and can access support during forensic medical examinations.
• Evidence Preservation: Forensic evidence can be preserved for a specified period. This gives victims time to decide whether or not to pursue any legal action.
• Notification of Results: Survivors are informed of the results of the forensic examinations as well as investigation and prosecution progress.
• Confidentiality Protections: These protections ensure the confidentiality of victims, such as personal information or any specific details of the assault.
• Access to Support Services: Survivors are provided with support services like counseling, psychotherapy and other resources to help in their recovery

The Role of Legal Professionals in Victim Protection

Government prosecutors are typically in control of charging perpetrators in a criminal trial, but there is a role for civil attorneys in sexual assault cases.

Specifically, a properly trained and experienced personal injury attorney can help victims identify liable parties (including third parties who may have been negligent in security) and potential sources of compensation to cover the many costs the victim incurred due to the assault, as well as financial recovery for their pain and suffering.

Legal professionals like our team at the Buckeye Law Group help make sure that victims are aware of their rights and are given the utmost support every step of the way.

The Buckeye Law Group Is Committed to Empowering Victims of Sexual Assault in Ohio

Our attorneys at the Buckeye Law Group are committed to empowering victims and helping them hold perpetrators financially liable for their actions.

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to a crime and may need help seeking compensation through a civil case, we are here to help. Contact the Buckeye Law Group by giving us a call at 1-800-411-PAIN or contact us here on our website for a free consultation.