Rhode Island § 12-28-8 - Victim’s Rights

§ 12-28-8. Child victims.

(a) The general assembly finds that it is necessary to provide child victims and witnesses in family, district or superior court with special consideration and treatment beyond that usually afforded to adults. It is the intent of this section to provide these children with additional rights and protection during their involvement with the criminal justice system.

(b) As used in this section, “child” is anyone who is less than fifteen (15) years of age.

(c) Child victims of felony offenses, or offenses which would be considered felony offenses if committed by adults, shall have the following rights in addition to those set forth elsewhere in this chapter:

(1) To have explanations, in language understandable to a child of the victim’s age, of all investigative and judicial proceedings in which the child will be involved;

(2) To be accompanied at all investigative and judicial proceedings by a relative, guardian, or other person who will contribute to the child’s sense of well being, unless it is determined by the party conducting the proceeding that the presence of the particular person would substantially impede the investigation or prosecution of the case;

(3) To have all investigative and judicial proceedings in which the child’s participation is required arranged so as to minimize the time when the child must be present;

(4) To be permitted to testify at all judicial proceedings in the manner which will be least traumatic to the child, consistent with the rights of the defendant;

(5) To be provided information about and referrals to appropriate social service programs to assist the child and the child’s family in coping with the emotional impact of the crime and the subsequent proceedings in which the child is involved.