Reporting to the Police

Reporting Sexual Assault

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.

Evidence Collection

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 is happening, ask questions. Write down the names and phone numbers of all the people who are working with you so you can call if you have further questions.

Interview

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.