New Jersey's attorney general has announced new rules for handling sexual assault cases in the state.

The new directives updated a more than decade-old set of standards with hopes of bringing a more victim-centric approach to investigating these types of legal disputes.

Under the new rules, county prosecutor’s offices must be notified within 24 hours of an incident or complaint.

Victims will also be given the opportunity to speak with a prosecutor before a plea deal is given. They will also be able to ask questions in situations where charges are not filed.

"This doesn't affirm that all survivors will get exactly what they want but it does include them in as a critical partner," says Patricia Teffenhart, executive director of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault. "They're being educated about why decisions are being made, which ultimately I think is the highest level of respect."

Gov. Phil Murphy, who asked the attorney general to look into the previous standards, says this will make meaningful changes to how sexual assault victims are treated in the state.

"The new directive and guidelines announced today make New Jersey--in our judgement and objectively speaking--a national leader in taking a victim-centric approach to sexual assault cases."

Other new rules include requiring county prosecutors to report back to the attorney general's office and ensuring resources and outreach programs are more readily available to victims and the community.