Reporting Sexual Assault to Law Enforcement
How To Report & What To Expect
Should you tell the police you were sexually assaulted or abused?
Some survivors say seeking justice helped them regain control over their lives and finally begin to heal. Others describe feeling retraumatized by their interactions with the criminal justice system.
Whether you’ve already reported or you’re still deciding, you’ll benefit from learning how to report abuse or assault and what to expect if your case goes to trial.
To report abuse or assault:
- Call 9-1-1 for immediate help
- Contact your local police department directly
- Visit a clinic or hospital and tell a healthcare professional you want to report the crime
Learn More
What to Expect if You Report Assault or Abuse to Law Enforcement
| RAINN is America’s largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit, offering 24/7 confidential survivor support, education, and advocacy for policy change. |
Navigating the Criminal Justice System After Sexual Assault
| RAINN is America’s largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit, offering 24/7 confidential survivor support, education, and advocacy for policy change. |
Why DNA Matters In Sexual Assault Cases
| RAINN is America’s largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit, offering 24/7 confidential survivor support, education, and advocacy for policy change. |
Understanding Statutes of Limitations for Sexual Violence Cases
| RAINN is America’s largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit, offering 24/7 confidential survivor support, education, and advocacy for policy change. |
Are You Eligible for Crime Victim Compensation?
| RAINN is America’s largest anti-sexual violence nonprofit, offering 24/7 confidential survivor support, education, and advocacy for policy change. |
1 out of every 6 American women
has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime 1This is a footnote. Data from XYZ 2This data source is xyz
5 Million
survivors and their loved ones have been supported by RAINN since 1994.
Legal Disclaimer: The Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) website provides general information that is intended, but not guaranteed, to be correct and up-to-date. The information is not presented as a source of legal advice. You should not rely, for legal advice, on statements or representations made within the website or by any externally referenced Internet sites. If you need legal advice upon which you intend to rely in the course of your legal affairs, consult a competent, independent attorney. RAINN does not assume any responsibility for actions or non-actions taken by people who have visited this site, and no one shall be entitled to a claim for detrimental reliance on any information provided or expressed.