How to File Sexual Abuse Charges in Kentucky

Crisis centers are available in Kentucky for women who have been physically and sexually assaulted.

You can file for sexual abuse and assault charges in Kentucky by visiting a crisis center and calling local law enforcement. Crisis centers are located throughout Kentucky to help process and protect people who have been sexually abused and assaulted. A SAFE exam will be conducted that will collect important evidence from the abuse or assault you have suffered. The evidence collected from the SAFE exam will be kept for 90 days if you choose not to file charges right away. If you decide to file charges before the 90-day period expires, the evidence will be used in the law enforcement's investigation.

Things You'll Need

• SAFE exam

Instructions

1. Visit a Kentucky crisis center and have a SAFE examination. A Sexual Assault Forensic-Medical Exam will be conducted on anyone seeking treatment.

2. Contact the police and tell them that you want to file sexual abuse charges. Call 911 or ask the staff at the crisis center to contact local law enforcement.

3. Provide evidence that supports your claim. Allow the evidence that was gathered during the SAFE exam to be introduced into the local law enforcement's investigation. Provide a statement to local law enforcement detailing the abuse or assault you suffered. Provide details of the person who sexually abused or assaulted you, including a description. Give the name of the person if you know it and possible places the person might be. Local law enforcement will provide you with materials to make a statement and walk you through the process of filing charges.

References

• The Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs: SAFE Exam

Resources

• Map of the 13 Kentucky Rape Crisis Centers