Few things cast a darker shadow than sexual assault. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Help is available. We’ll walk you through reporting sexual assault as well as pointing you toward available support networks.
If you’ve been a victim of sexual assault, please call:
Table of Contents
1-800-656-4673
What to Know Before Reporting Sexual Assault to the Police
Reporting sexual assault to the police is an emotionally challenging decision. It’s important to approach this process with preparation and support. Here’s what you need to know before reporting.
Understanding your rights as a survivor
As a survivor, you are granted a set of unalienable rights, so it’s important that you have a clear understanding of those rights:
- The right to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion
- The right to privacy and confidentiality
- The right to be examined by a competent forensic examiner
- The right to be treated for the physical effects of sexual assault at no cost to you
- The right to receive a detailed explanation of treatment and medical options, legal processes, and services and resources available
- The right to protection orders — temporary, permanent, or emergency — which order the accused to refrain from contacting the survivor and stay away from their workplace and home residence
Emotional preparation and self-care
Emotionally preparing yourself to report can help regulate your emotions and stabilize your emotional output. Here are some resources that can help:
Choosing a support person to be with you
As difficult as this experience is to process, you have a single (but powerful) asset that can help — at the very least — simplify the whole ordeal. In fact, if you don’t have this, you’re unnecessarily prolonging your stress, increasing your risk of isolation, slowing the healing process, and maybe even making it less likely you’ll ask for professional help.
You have rights and laws that are set up to protect you. You also have sufficient legal aid for additional support. However, that may not be enough from an emotional and psychological standpoint. The healing will start when you’re surrounded and embraced by the love of others.
Step-by-Step Process for Reporting Sexual Assault
It’s always better to let the authorities know sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the lower the chances of getting justice and the greater the chance the perpetrator may do this again. The solution is to file the report.
Deciding when to report
There are two reporting variations: immediate and delayed.
Immediate reporting involves making your claim to the police as soon as possible. This is the ideal option because the experience, clothing (evidence for the investigation), and memory are all still fresh from the incident.
The other option is delayed reporting. While we encourage you to take all the time you need until you’re ready to report the incident, delaying too long may become problematic.
Some jurisdictions have statutes of limitations, which are time limits placed on how long you can wait before taking legal action on an assault. Waiting too long can result in you forfeiting your right to press charges.
If you feel it’s necessary, take the time you need until you’re ready. However, just be aware of how much time you have based on your jurisdiction and ensure you save your clothing, as it will act as evidence in the investigation.
Making the initial report
You may not feel comfortable calling the police directly after the incident to file your initial report. For some survivors, seeking professional medical assistance from a healthcare provider at a nearby hospital might be the easier option.
You’re more than welcome to use this approach. In many jurisdictions, hospitals are equipped to support sexual assault survivors and even help facilitate (once you’re ready) a police report.
But if you are ready to contact law enforcement directly, that option is available as well.
When you decide to call the police to make the report, you will reach a dispatch officer who will send uniformed police officers to your location. When the police arrive, they will
- ask if you’d like to visit the hospital for medical attention purposes,
- get as much information from you as possible about the incident, and
- ask you to provide a record statement (written or verbal testimony you give to the police).
The police officer to whom you reveal the assault will inform you of your options and how the case will move forward. While this may not immediately resolve the situation, it can give you peace of mind to know the next steps and what the authorities plan to do to assist you.
Understanding the role of a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE)
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse with specialized training to provide comprehensive care to sexual assault survivors. SANEs play a crucial role in medical, legal, and emotional support, ensuring you receive compassionate care while also collecting evidence for legal processes. Here what SANEs can help you with:
- Collecting evidence: SANEs improve the odds of favorable legal outcomes by collecting evidence and documenting the incident properly.
- Specialized training: They’re trained for sensitive, traumatic situations. As a result, they approach you with care and professionalism, reducing your stress and anxiety in the process.
- Mental and emotional support: Survivors assisted by SANEs report higher satisfaction with their care and feel more supported throughout the process.[1]
What Happens After Reporting Sexual Assault
Reporting sexual assault is a brave step, and the process that follows can vary depending on the jurisdiction, the circumstances of your case, and your preferences as a survivor.
Investigation and evidence collection
Every investigation and evidence-collection period will usually follow a similar structure:
- Initial law enforcement contact: You can file the report to local police, a campus authority (in cases of assault on college grounds), or through a third party, such as a hotline or hospital.
- Incident details: Law enforcement will ask for a detailed account of the incident. You can choose to have an advocate or support person present.
- Forensic exam: If you report the incident shortly after the assault, you may undergo a forensic medical examination (rape kit). This collects evidence (DNA, injuries, or photographs) and documents the trauma.
- Medical care: You will be provided with medications to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), treatment for any injuries, and emergency contraception if needed.
- Evidence collection: This involves visiting the crime scene, gathering witness testimonies, and any physical evidence.
- Contacting the accused: Police may interview or question the accused, and if sufficient evidence is gathered and presented, an arrest will be made.
Working with a victim advocate
As a trained professional who supports crime victims, a victim advocate helps survivors with information and emotional support. Here’s how that may look for you:
- Legal representation: Victim advocates help survivors find legal representation.
- Emotional support: Victim advocates offer compassion and emotional support to survivors and their families.
- Information: They provide information about the rights and resources survivors are entitled to.
- Assistance: Victim advocates can help fill out crime-related documents and find the necessary assistance to support survivors throughout this process.
If one is not provided, you can find a victim advocate in a few ways:
- Contact local or national hotlines. RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is a good place to start. They can direct you to advocacy services in your area. National Domestic Violence Hotline is another helpful option: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
- Contact local advocacy organizations. There are numerous community organizations devoted to supporting survivors of sexual assault. Visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center to find resources near you.
- Visit a medical facility or hospital. Hospitals often partner with local advocacy organizations. Ask the staff at a hospital in your area to connect you with a victim advocate.
Navigating the legal system
Here’s a simple timeline of what you can expect as you navigate the legal system during this process:
Initial steps (hours to days):
- You report the incident to the police.
- A forensic exam is performed to collect evidence. Medical care and counseling are provided.
- Police take your detailed statement, asking questions about the event and assailant.
Investigation begins (days to weeks):
- The case is assigned to an investigator.
- Police and the investigator collect evidence from the scene, forensic exam, witnesses, or possible surveillance footage.
- If the accused is identified, they will be questioned and, in some instances, an arrest will be made.
Charges and court case (weeks to months):
- The prosecutor assesses the evidence for a possible criminal charge.
- If sufficient evidence exists, formal charges are filed, and the case moves into the court system.
- Defense attorneys can ask tough questions. Learn to respond calmly and clearly while maintaining your composure.
- Stick to what you know and remember. It’s okay to admit it if you can’t recall specific details.
- The legal process is complex, and the outcome, regardless of what does or doesn’t happen, doesn’t define your strength as a survivor.
Bring your support person with you: One study revealed that having a support person was important for helping survivors post-assault. Lorenz et al. write, “Informal support providers often play a large role in survivors’ post-assault experiences and recovery, including providing support during survivors’ decision to pursue legal justice and in navigating the system.”[2]
Alternatives to Reporting to Law Enforcement
Filing a report with law enforcement is not your only option when it comes to reporting sexual assault. You may not be ready to take that step if the incident is still too fresh in your mind. There are alternatives to reporting to law enforcement you can consider.
Confidential resources and support networks
Every person who comes forth and asks for help is another person who helps destigmatize the survival of sexual assault and encourages more survivors to come forward. Here are some support networks that can help:
- Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
- Brave Movement
Important note: Exploring the resources available at counseling centers, local support groups, and hotlines can help empower you as you recover. You may not be ready now, but with enough time and support from resources and support centers, you can step into the strength you need to report to law enforcement.
Filing an anonymous report
If you still find tapping into local community centers a bit of a stretch, there’s another even more confidential option. Remember, if you don’t talk to someone, it will only make things harder mentally and psychologically.
Letting go of the pressure relief valve will help you in the long run even if right now it seems like an impossible task. Sharing the experience in a safe place with a safe person is how you do that.
And that’s where filing an anonymous report comes into play. Filing an anonymous report is a helpful form of documentation. You can do it by calling the police department within the jurisdiction where the sexual assault took place.
Another option is calling a resource such as the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 — the hotline is open 24/7.
Reporting anonymously documents the event for future reference if and when you decide to file a more formal report.
Learn more about reporting a sexual assault anonymously here.
Seeking civil remedies or protective orders
There are additional protective measures you can take to supplement the police report. You can seek civil remedies or protective orders:
- Restraining orders: If you feel any continued threat to your safety and well-being, it may be worth it to file for a restraining order.
- Civil remedies: You may be entitled to a settlement for the damages of the incident that resulted in your pain and suffering (non-pecuniary damages), as well as possible economic losses (pecuniary damages).
Additional Resources for Victims of Abuse and Violence
Overcoming sexual assault — or any kind of abuse, for that matter — starts with education and approaching the topic (and survivors) with compassion. The following are some resources that can help you spot early signs of potential abuse and foster a safe space for healing.
- 19 Warning Signs of Abuse
- How to Document Abuse and Prove Domestic Violence: Building Your Case
- Statistics on Teen and College Dating Violence 2024
- Domestic Violence Statistics 2024
- Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence
- Dating Violence: Understanding Signs and Seeking Help
- 11 Early Signs of a Controlling Man
- 31 Disturbing Signs of Gaslighting in a Relationship
- A Parent’s Guide to Identifying and Preventing Teen Dating Violence
Many, many people want to help you get through this. By plugging into the right networks and resources, you can overcome this tragedy and find brighter days soon enough.
Please see our guides to relationship abuse for further literature and resources.
FAQs
Can I report someone for sexual assault?
Yes, you can report someone for sexual assault. The term “sexual assault” refers to any nonconsensual sexual act as described by municipal, state, or federal law. This includes the lack of willful consent as well as sexual coercion. If any of these conditions apply, you can report someone for sexual assault.
What is classed as sexual assault?
The classification of sexual assault encompasses any form of unwanted sexual activity. This includes fondling, sexual touching, attempted rape, forcing one to perform sexually (whether physically or with emotional manipulation), and more. If you have been sexually assaulted, report the event to a trusted friend or family member and/or the authorities or a medical professional.
What types of abuse should be reported?
All types of abuse should be reported. This includes physical abuse (kicking, hitting, shaking), emotional abuse (shaming, name-calling, gaslighting), financial abuse, technological abuse (cyberbullying), and, yes, sexual abuse.
How are sexual assault cases handled?
Sexual assault cases are handled through the criminal justice system, as well as civil lawsuits and civil protection orders. The process starts with the report and then an investigation. This process will reveal physical evidence, DNA samples, and the event timeline. The investigation may lead to an arrest, a court case, and possibly a conviction.
References
1. Fernández-Collantes, A., Martín-Vázquez, C., & Martínez-Fernández, M. C. (2024). Patient and healthcare provider satisfaction with sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs): A systematic review. Healthcare, 12(23), 2399. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232399
2. Lorenz, K., Kirkner, A., & Ullman, S. E. (2019). A qualitative study of sexual assault survivors’ post-assault legal system experiences. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 20(3), 263–287. https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2019.1592643