Reporting Rape
Reporting to the police is the key to preventing sexual assault; every time we lock up a rapist, we as a society are preventing him or her from committing another attack. It is the most effective tool that exists to prevent future rapes. In the end, though, it is your decision whether to report the rape or not.
-Call 911 (or ask a friend to call) to report your rape to police.
-If you visit a hospital emergency room or your own doctor, ask them to call the police for you if you are afraid to do so.
- Even though generally there is no legal barrier to reporting your attack months afterward, be aware that some states does have statues of limitations that bar prosecution after a certain number of years. To maximize the chances of an arrest and successful prosecution, it is important that you report as soon ass possible after the rape.
- Most local crisis centers have staff trained to help you through the reporting process. They can answer your questions and give you information on the process. To reach your local crisis center, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE (4673). The service is free, confidential, and is available 24/7 to assist you whenever you need help.
Getting Help
-Go to a safe place as soon as possible
-Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline to get assistance and support. If you do not want to speak with someone by phone, use the online hotline that offers the same exact services. With the online hotline, you will go into a private session with a trained volunteer and communicate, live, by typing messages back and forth.
-Seek medical care as soon as possible by going to a hospital emergency room or a medical clinic treatment center.
-It was found that the best support services for rape, sexual assault,
and incest victims are those offered at community rape treatment centers. Your local treatment center is the best resource for counseling and to get information about community resources and emergency protocols.
Reporting to the police is the key to preventing sexual assault; every time we lock up a rapist, we as a society are preventing him or her from committing another attack. It is the most effective tool that exists to prevent future rapes. In the end, though, it is your decision whether to report the rape or not.
-Call 911 (or ask a friend to call) to report your rape to police.
-If you visit a hospital emergency room or your own doctor, ask them to call the police for you if you are afraid to do so.
- Even though generally there is no legal barrier to reporting your attack months afterward, be aware that some states does have statues of limitations that bar prosecution after a certain number of years. To maximize the chances of an arrest and successful prosecution, it is important that you report as soon ass possible after the rape.
- Most local crisis centers have staff trained to help you through the reporting process. They can answer your questions and give you information on the process. To reach your local crisis center, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE (4673). The service is free, confidential, and is available 24/7 to assist you whenever you need help.
Getting Help
-Go to a safe place as soon as possible
-Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline to get assistance and support. If you do not want to speak with someone by phone, use the online hotline that offers the same exact services. With the online hotline, you will go into a private session with a trained volunteer and communicate, live, by typing messages back and forth.
-Seek medical care as soon as possible by going to a hospital emergency room or a medical clinic treatment center.
-It was found that the best support services for rape, sexual assault,
and incest victims are those offered at community rape treatment centers. Your local treatment center is the best resource for counseling and to get information about community resources and emergency protocols.
