P.R. Laws tit. 8, § 640

2019-02-20 00:00:00+00
§ 640. Assistance to the victim of abuse

Whenever a law enforcement officer intervenes with a person claiming to be a victim of abuse, regardless of his/her sex, civil status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigrant status, such officer shall take every measure he/she deems necessary to protect the victim from further abuse. Law enforcement officers shall take the following steps, among others:

(a) If the person indicates that he/she has suffered injuries, blows or wounds that require medical assistance, although not visible, he shall give the person the needed first aid treatment; shall volunteer to make arrangements for the person to receive adequate medical treatment and shall provide transportation to a medical services center where the person can be treated.

(b) If the person expresses concern for his/her safety, he/she shall make the arrangements needed to transport the person to a safe place.

(c) When the victim of abuse requests it, the law enforcement officer shall protect him/her by accompanying and providing assistance at all times while he/she takes his/her personal belongings from his/her residence or from any other place where the same may be.

(d) Advise the victim of abuse on the importance of preserving the evidence.

(e) Provide the victim with information as to her/his rights, and of the government and private services available for victims of abuse, including, but not limited to the remedies provided under § 972 et seq. of Title 25 and Act No. 91 of July 13, 1988. He shall also give the victim a copy of the Guide for Victims of Domestic Abuse.

History —Aug. 15, 1989, No. 54, p. 199, § 3.10, eff. 90 days after Aug. 15, 1989; May 29, 2013, No. 23, § 10.