How to Report Sexual Assault to the Police

The term sexual assault covers everything from inappropriate touching to rape. Reporting sexual assault to police is just as important as reporting a break-in or domestic violence; yet an estimated 60 percent or more cases go unreported, largely because of the victim's shame and fear. If you have been sexually assaulted, follow these steps. And know there's a lot of help out there for you.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Get to a safe place and call 911.

2. Keep your clothes, hair or any part of your body exactly the way they were when you were assaulted. Leave everything at the assault scene untouched. Hospital staff and police need all of this crucial evidence.

3. Go to an emergency room as soon as possible if you don't want to call 911. Tell the ER attendant you are a sexual assault victim, so hospital staff takes quick action. Your doctor and nurses must treat your injuries, perform a rape kit, give you antibiotics for any potential sexually transmitted diseases you were exposed to and treat you for possible pregnancy.

4. Call the police from the hospital to file a report or have hospital staff contact them.

5. Ask police and hospital staff about any local support groups that can help you immediately. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The number is (800) 799-SAFE or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE for support.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a college student and sexually assaulted on campus, you can report the assault to your dorm's resident assistant, the student health center or campus police.
• Never try to confront your offender on your own. This confrontation puts you in a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation.

Resources

• Local Crisis Support Centers

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