You are the only one who can decide whether or not to report the crime. However, the sooner you report to the police, the more likely there will be a successful prosecution since your report may result in an arrest and conviction or may support another case. You might also prevent someone else from being harmed in the future.

When reporting this crime, contact the police in the municipality WHERE THE SEXUAL ASSAULT TOOK PLACE since they have the jurisdiction to investigate. If you are unsure of the location, contact the police where you think the crime occurred.

Although a patrol officer is generally the first to respond, a trained detective should conduct an in-depth interview in private with you. This is one of the most important phases of the investigation. Evidence will be collected from the crime scene such as fingerprints, stains, weapons. clothing, or bedclothes. The police will also take any evidence obtained at the hospital into their possession. IF AT ANY TIME DURING THE PROCESS YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND WHAT’S HAPPENING, ASK QUESTIONS. WRITE DOWN THE NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS OF ALL PEOPLE WHO ARE WORKING WITH YOU SO YOU CAN CALL IF YOU HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS.

You are entitled to request the presence of a sexual assault crisis advocate, friend or a female officer during the interview. Generally, both male and female police are sensitive to the needs of the survivor. Questioning will usually focus on the events prior to the initial contact with the assailant, a detailed account of the behavior and words used by both the victim and the assailant, circumstances of the assault, and a description of the assailant.

MEDICAL CARE IF YOU ARE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED

It is important that you seek medical care whether or not you choose to report the crime to the police. Do NOT douche, bathe, shower, change your clothes, comb your hair, brush your teeth, or change anything about yourself before your medical examination, as these may destroy valuable medical evidence that will be lost. If a date rape drug is suspected, it is vital to obtain blood and/or urine samples as soon as possible. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE THE CRIME SCENE!

The State of Indiana has two funds, which may cover expenses incurred due to a sexual assault. The hospital will file a claim form for the Sex Crime Victim Service’s Fund and submit the application on your behalf. Reimbursement for other related expenses may be obtained by filing a claim with the Violent Crime Compensation Fund for consideration.

You can request that the police be called to the medical care facility to take the initial report.

WHAT WILL THE EXAM BE LIKE?

Before the exam you will be asked to sign a consent form to allow the hospital staff to examine and treat you, administer medication, and to release information to the police. The doctor will do a complete exam to check all body parts for injury. A pelvic exam will follow. Certain physical evidence (such as the presence of sperm) is best collected within 72 hours of the attack. If you have never had a pelvic exam, tell the doctor or nurse. Pictures may be taken if there is noticeable trauma to the external body. Give yourself permission to get your needs met. Express your feelings, ask questions. The exams may be scary since you probably don’t want to be touched right now. If you don’t understand the doctor or nurse, ASK. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW. You may be required to give the clothes you were wearing to the police for examination. Some hospitals will provide clothing for you to wear when you leave.

It is virtually impossible to tell immediately after a sexual assault if you have contracted any sexually transmitted diseases or have become pregnant. If you have any questions or concerns about STD’s, ask the doctor. He or she can prescribe preventive medication at the time of the exam. Even if you receive preventive treatment, you should be tested for STDs two weeks after the attack, and again in six weeks. There is also a preventive pregnancy medication available that can be given at the time of the exam. This must be done within 72 hours of the assault to be effective.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IF THE CASE IS PROSECUTED?

Sexual assault is a crime that is prosecuted by the State of Indiana. If criminal charges are filed, a Prosecutor, not a private attorney, will try the case. You, the victim, are considered to be a witness for the State.

A series of hearings will be scheduled and a trial may be held or the defendant may enter into a plea negotiation. If the case is filed in Porter County, a Victim Advocate will contact you to answer questions and provide information. You have the right to attend all open court hearings and to have someone with you at that time. You have the right to be notified of any plea discussions, plea contents, or recommendations in felony cases.

If the defendant is found guilty or changes his or her plea, there will be a sentencing hearing at which you will have the right to make a Victim Impact Statement, either in writing or orally.

If the case goes to trial, you and other witnesses will be required to testify. The defendant is not required to testify. The Prosecutor’s Office will go over the trial process with you. You will have the opportunity to visit the courtroom and review your police statements and depositions so that you will know what to expect.

There is also the possibility that the Prosecutor will decide not to file charges. This doesn’t mean that the Prosecutor thinks the charge is false. It may mean that there is not enough evidence for the case to be prosecuted successfully and you are entitled to be given a reason why the charges were not filed.

SEEKING PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING OR THERAPY

Understand that each victim/survivor has their own recovery timetable. Yours may be longer or shorter than others. Some people are ready for counseling right away and others delay. Some never seek assistance. Do not be afraid to ask for professional help.

A support group for survivors of sexual assault may be helpful but it is usually best to have some individual counseling prior to entering a group.

SEXUAL ASSAULT RECOVERY PROJECT SERVICES ARE FREE AND INCLUDE:

• Criminal Justice Support / Advocacy
  
• Crisis counseling for victims and significant others
  
• Information regarding sex crimes and the healing and recovery processes through referrals to appropriate agencies and counselors
  
• Support groups for adult survivors of child sexual abuse
  
• Assistance in filing Victim Compensation Claims and Restitution
  
• Raising community awareness through presentations in schools, community centers, or other public forums
  
• Lending Library (books and videos)