Georgia § 17-18-2 - Information for victims of rape or forcible sodomy.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-18-2 — Information for victims of rape or forcible sodomy., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 17-18-2. Information for victims of rape or forcible sodomy.
The following information in substantially the form set out in this Code section shall be provided to adult victims of rape or aggravated sodomy in accordance with Code Section 17-18-1: "INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF RAPE OR FORCIBLE SODOMY If you are the victim of rape or forcible sodomy, you have certain rights under the law. Rape or forcible sodomy by a stranger or a person known to you, including rape or forcible sodomy by a person married to you, is a crime. You can ask the government's lawyer to prosecute a person who has committed a crime. The government pays the cost of prosecuting for crimes. If you are the victim of rape or forcible sodomy, you should contact a local police department or other law enforcement agency immediately. A police officer will come to take a report and collect evidence. You should keep any clothing you were wearing at the time of the crime as well as any other evidence such as bed sheets. Officers will take you to the hospital for a medical examination. You should not shower or douche before the examination. The law requires that the Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund pay for the medical examination to the extent of the cost for the collection of evidence of the crime." (Code 1981, § 17-18-2 , enacted by Ga. L. 1996, p. 1115, § 5; Ga. L. 2011, p. 214, § 6/HB 503.) Cross references. - Development of rape prevention and personal safety education program, § 20-2-314 . Code Commission notes. - Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1996, the assignment of this new Code section was changed from Code Section 17-17-2 to Code Section 17-18-2. Pursuant to Code Section 28-9-5, in 1996, "17-18-1" was substituted for "17-17-1" in the first sentence.
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 17-18-2
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-18-2 cover?
Section 17-18-2 ("Information for victims of rape or forcible sodomy.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 17-18-2?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 17-18-2" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 17-18-2 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.