The Procedural Basis of Recognition as a Victim
The procedural protection of a victim of a sexual crime begins at the moment the person is recognized as a victim. Under the Criminal Procedure Code, the victim is granted all the rights of a witness and bears all their duties, while a legal entity participates through a representative. In cases of preparation or attempt of a crime, the victim is the person to whom harm could have come. The prosecutor issues a decree on recognition as a victim on their own initiative or upon the person's application.
If the prosecutor does not satisfy the application within 48 hours of its submission, the person may once apply to a superior prosecutor, and if the complaint is not satisfied — appeal the decision to the district (city) court, where the judge issues a ruling on the matter within 15 days. The decree on recognition is communicated to the victim, and all rights and the procedures for exercising them are explained, which is recorded in a protocol signed by the victim.