Definition of a victim:
A victim is one harmed by or made to suffer from an act, circumstance, agency, or condition; one who is tricked, swindled, or taken advantage of.

A sexual assault victim is one has been misled, tricked, or threatened into a sexual activity by someone more powerful. Victims can be male or female.

In the November 1988 general election, Tennessee voters approved an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution providing for victim?s rights.

"To preserve and protect the rights of victims of crime and to provide justice and due process, victims shall be entitled to the following basic rights".

The amendment adds the following language to Article 1 of the Constitution.

• The right to confer with the prosecution.
• The right to be free from intimidation, harassment, and abuse throughout the criminal justice system.
• The right to be present at all proceedings where the defendant has the right to be present.
• The right to be hard, when relevant, at all critical stages of the criminal justice process as defined by the General Assembly.
• The right to be informed of all proceedings; and of the release, transfer, or escape of the accused or convicted person.
• The right to a speedy trial or disposition and a prompt and final conclusion of the case after the conviction or sentence.
• The right to restitution from the offender.
• The right to be informed of each of these rights established for victims.