This article has information on the process of reporting a rape or sexual assault to the police. This is distinct from reporting to a rape crisis center. If you report to a crisis center they will usually NOT require you to contact the police. This is a difficult process for most victims and this page seeks to de-mystify the process for those interested. The experience of reporting rape falls into several different stages. Depending on the circumstances of the case, some of the stages may vary. They are roughly as follows:


Steps

1. First you may want to contact a victim's advocate at your local rape crisis center. You can find one here: Victim Assistance. In the USA you can call 1-800-656-hope and ask for a victim's advocate. Elsewhere please find your local crisis hotline from this international directory. This person can walk you through the process of reporting.
2. Next you should consider Contacting the police by calling the emergency line (either 911 or the overseas version)
3. The next thing to expect will be the first encounter with the police. Before you speak with them you may want to read this international page on reporting
4. Next prepare for the medical examination by asking them to explain what will be done beforehand. This may reduce the amount of PTSD incurred.
5. After that write down notes for making a statement.
6. The next step is to cooperate in the investigation of the case.
7. After the investigation there will be follow-up.
8. The final stage will be appearing in Court with a victim's impact statement. " (Temkin, 1999)

Tips

• 1. At any time during this process ask for information about
     • The course of the proceedings
     • Victim’s rights throughout the proceedings
     • Support available in case of threats by the perpetrator
     • Confusing legal language
     • Psychological counseling

Warnings

• Beware of victim blame: http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip//vb.html