How to Conduct Yourself During a Sex Crime Hearing

Sex crime victims who press charges against their assailants usually must appear in court for a hearing. Proper courtroom etiquette is required, so you should know how to conduct yourself during a hearing. Follow these steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Telephone
• Computer with Internet access
• Attorney

Demonstrate Proper Court Conduct During a Hearing

1. Both you and your attacker must appear in court for any civil action. If this is a criminal case, the court my call you only to testify. You can choose whether to appear on other days.
2. Stand when the judge enters the courtroom and take your seat when the judge or the bailiff instructs you to do so.
3. Speak directly to the judge if he or she asks you any questions during your testimony and address the judge as ''Your Honor.''
4. Remain calm during the proceedings. In many cases this may be the first time you have seen your assailant since the attack, so it is natural to feel fear and even anger toward this individual. However, it is essential that you conduct yourself appropriately in the courtroom.
5. Be prepared to swear to tell the truth if you are asked to testify. If you do not tell the truth during your testimony, you may perjure yourself and face steep penalties.
6. Seek legal counsel before your day in court through a lawyer referral service such as those found on the WomensLaw.org Web site (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• In any sex crime case, it is the responsibility of the accusing party to prove the guilt of the defendant. Even your attacker has the right to be perceived as innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
• After a sexual assault, many victims suffer from a stress disorder referred to as rape trauma syndrome. Symptoms of this condition may be extreme depression or anxiety coupled with suicidal thoughts or self-destructive behaviors. If you suffer from any symptoms of depression or anxiety following a sexual assault, seek medical attention immediately.