---
title: "Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy"
url: "https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/sexual-assault-victim-advocacy-en"
field: "Criminal Law"
description: "Articles 56, 57 and 217 of the CrPC: victim recognition within 48 hours, coordinator and plea agreements. Legal.ge."
reviewed: "2026-07-09"
updated: "2026-10-14"
publisher: "legal.ge"
---

# Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy

> Source: legal.ge, https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/sexual-assault-victim-advocacy-en

## 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.

The full text is available on legal.ge after signing in: https://legal.ge/en/service/crim-criminal-law-en/sexual-assault-victim-advocacy-en

### What happens after the application?

The prosecutor considers the application for recognition within 48 hours; on refusal the person may apply to a superior prosecutor and the court.

### How does the law protect from secondary victimization?

Through the witness and victim coordinator, who reduces stress and accompanies the victim for support.

### Can special protection measures be requested?

Yes — where a threat looms over the life, health or property of the victim or a family member.

### What remains after a plea agreement?

The right to a civil action: the agreement does not extinguish the claim for compensation of harm.