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People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success.
Norman Vincent Peale
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Reporting Abuse and What to Expect |
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Why report rape/sexual assault and what to expect.
Most assault victims don’t report what happened to them immediately. It can take days, weeks or even years before they bring themselves to speaking to the police. It is never to late to report the crime, as many rapists are repeat offenders your account may help them to piece together patterns or be put together with other reports to make a case against the offender.
If you do want to make a report obviously the sooner the better, as they will be able to collect more evidence and you will be able to give a clearer account of the event. Most police are now trained in how to handle an assault case gently, and will be able to assist you. If you are wanting to find out more about he police training in your area before you make a report you can speak to your local crisis centre or ring your local rape hotline to get more specific information about how cases are dealt with locally.
The first contact with police.
Often after calling in a report you can expect one or two none uniformed police officers to call at your home. Regardless of time since the assault they will take a statement from you, collect various evidence, such as the clothes you were wearing during the attack. They will also help organise any services you may need such as counselling, legal information and financial aid. You can have a friend or family member with you during this initial contact for emotional support.
If you report the attack within hours/days of it happening they will strongly recommend you seek medical attention even if you have no obvious physical injuries. This is for two reasons, firstly is for your well being. They can check for any internal injuries, STI’s and pregnancy. The faster these things are picked up the more choices you will have and a better response to treatment. Secondly it will allow the trained medical staff to take samples for evidence. This will only be done under your consent, and the police will offer to drive you there to make sure you’re put straight into the hands of specialists to help you.
The first interview.
During the first interview, the police will ask you questions about the assault. It may be difficult to recall some of the details, and some of the questions may remind you of the most painful aspects of the assault. The police ask specific questions because it is important to document the crime fully and to identify all the forms of abuse you suffered.
The police officers will use this information to prepare a written report. You should review the report before you sign it to make sure that it is accurate. If your attacker is arrested and prosecuted, your report may be used during a court trial. You can also request a copy of your report to keep.
If you remember more details after you make the initial police report, you can contact the police to provide them with the additional information. It is common to struggle recalling all the details first time you speak openly about the assault, most victims find more memories come back to them in the following days and weeks, so don’t feel embarrassed about ringing up the officers in charge of your case to inform them of fresh information, they will be expecting it.
If you feel uncomfortable or are embarrassed at any point by any of the questions, you have the right to ask the police to explain the reasons for the questions and how your answers will be helpful.
Finally remember that you can make any special requests that will help you through this process, such as either a male or female officer or an officer that speak the language that you feel more comfortable with. The police are there to help you through this process and make it as easy as possible for you to give information. Don’t be shy to speak up about your needs. |
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