Attorney General Becerra Publishes Resources for Survivors of Sexual Assault

AG Becerra issues “Sexual Assault Survivor’s Bill of Rights” cards 

CA DOJ updates posters to be displayed at airports, bus stations, truck stops, businesses, and other public areas to prevent human trafficking 

SACRAMENTO – As Sexual Assault Awareness Month comes to a close, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today published resources to further equip Californians with tools to prevent human trafficking and protect the rights of survivors of sexual assault. The resources include updated public posters that display information regarding services for victims of human trafficking and “Sexual Assault Survivor’s Bill of Rights” cards that local law enforcement agencies and district attorney offices will distribute to survivors.

“We must protect all Californians from acts of sexual violence. For those who have been victimized, we must ensure justice and accountability,” said Attorney General Becerra. “The resources we provide today give Californians, along with local law enforcement agencies, effective tools to help support survivors of sexual assault.”

The resources outline the rights of victims and survivors of sexual assault and the services available to them under California law. Pursuant to Assembly Bill 1312, authored by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego), the “Sexual Assault Survivor’s Bill of Rights” is to be distributed to survivors by law enforcement agencies that are assigned to investigate an alleged violation of domestic violence or sexual violence. These rights include, but are not limited to, asking for the status and results of the analysis of all assault evidence, information about financial assistance, and how to seek a Protective Order.

In addition to the “Sexual Assault Survivor’s Bill of Rights” cards, Attorney General Becerra also unveiled updated posters aimed at supporting victims of human trafficking. Pursuant to Senate Bill 225, authored by Senator Henry Stern (D-Canoga Park), the posters provide information for victims to help them access services like resource hotlines and information for nonprofit organizations that provide human trafficking support and services. The posters will be displayed in places where victims may be trafficked or spotted like airports, bus and rail stations, truck stops, emergency rooms, massage parlors, hotels, motels, privately-operated job recruitment centers, adult stores, and roadside rest areas. 

“No sexual-assault survivor should ever feel mistreated by the criminal-justice system,” Assemblywoman Gonzalez Fletcher said. “They deserve to know their rights. They deserve to know every resource available to them.

“Human trafficking is not just a global scourge, it's a multibillion dollar criminal enterprise in our own backyards,” said Senator Henry Stern. “I am proud to have partnered on this legislative package to make our human trafficking hotlines more accessible to youth victims.”

The cards will be made available in English and 22 other languages. To view the English cards visit: https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/victimservices/ab1312-card.pdf?.

To download the updated posters visit: https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/victimservices/sb225-human-traffic.pdf.

For additional information on resources available to survivors of sexual violence visit Attorney Generals website: https://oag.ca.gov/sexual-violence.