VT H0703

Survivors may have a support person of their choosing present during medical forensic examinations and during any interviews by law enforcement, prosecutors, or defense attorneys.

Survivors have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the criminal investigation and subsequent proceedings, without disadvantage for exercising this right.

Evidence collected during a medical forensic examination cannot be used to prosecute the survivor for any misdemeanor or drug crime under 18 V.S.A. chapter 84, nor to obtain search warrants for such offenses.

Survivors may request to be interviewed by a law enforcement officer of the same gender; if unavailable within a reasonable time, the survivor may consent to proceed or defer.

Survivors have the right to shower immediately after a medical forensic examination at no cost, if facilities are available. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.