How to decide if you should report the assault.

Many women do not seek help for various reasons. Among them are their fears that the system will not be sensitive to their needs. They may not be aware of the resources in their area or they may want to minimize the severity of the crime. In date rape situations, there may be additional reasons that have to do with the relationship of the victim to the rapist, the status or connections of the rapist, or else the criminal is so popular or well known that the victim feels no one would believe her. Knowing what to expect when you report the crime can diffuse your fears of the unknown. There are countless reasons why you should report the assault:

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Police can help you get to a safe place and get a medical examination. Reporting the crime can help the police keep the rapist from attacking other women in the future.
2. It is your right and responsibility. The only reason there are so many rape crisis centers and public support groups for victims is because women like you had the courage to come forward and report an assault regardless of the circumstances and/or consequences.
3. Colleges are more likely to take actions to stop date rape if they are convinced there is a problem. Reporting the rape makes them aware. Reporting the assault will get you in touch with rape crisis and counseling centers, which you need to contact as soon as possible after the crime in order to recover as fully and rapidly as possible.
4. You may be entitled to compensation. Many states have instituted victim compensation laws in which crime victims can apply for monetary awards from the state to pay for medical exams and physical therapy.
5. Reporting the crime immediately after it occurs will help your credibility. However, even if you do not file a report, it does not mean the crime did not occur. Some rapists attack their victims again and will not stop their assaults until the police get involved. Sometimes, a rapist will end the assault with a threat that if you report the crime, he will come back and hurt you. Even if you comply, he may still harm you, and your compliance may cause him to think he can victimize you and get away with it. Reporting the assault, however, sends him a message that he cannot intimidate you and puts you back in control. Police intervention may be your best protection.
6. Reporting the crime does not necessarily mean that you have to prosecute the attacker, but if you report it, you keep your options open in case you decide to prosecute at a later date. Keeping silent can hurt you psychologically and emotionally, and may inhibit your ability to get beyond the trauma.

Tips & Warnings

• Rape crisis counselors, friends, family, etc., cannot help you unless they know about the incident.
• There are people out there who have been in your place and can help you get beyond this. You are not alone.
• You have a choice to make—to do what is best for the rapist or to do what is best for you!