Help & Healing
Reporting Sexual Assault to Law Enforcement
Do you want to report to the police that you were sexually abused or assaulted? Learn how to report the crime and what to expect if your case goes to trial.
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
Essential Learning
What to Expect if You Report Assault or Abuse to Law Enforcement
| Should you tell the police you were sexually assaulted or abused? Learn how to report the crime and what to expect if your case goes to trial. |
Navigating the Criminal Justice System After Sexual Assault
| The criminal justice system can feel overwhelming. Learn what to expect so you can show up strong and feel prepared for what lies ahead. |
What is the Criminal Statute of Limitations for Sex Crimes?
| When a crime is committed, the state has a limited time to press charges. Learn how these limitations apply and what they mean for justice. |
Are You Eligible for Crime Victim Compensation?
| Victim compensation provides financial assistance to survivors of sexual assault and other violent crimes. Learn how to qualify for support. |
How To Report Tech-Enabled Sexual Abuse
Learn how to report tech-enabled sexual abuse, including sextortion, deepfakes, and CSAM. Find recommended steps to take, legal options, and 24/7 support.
The Vast Majority of Perpetrators Do Not Go to Jail or Prison
1 in 3 victims report
sexual assault to law enforcement—that’s 310 out of every 1,000 survivors. 1Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Felony Defendants in Large Urban Counties, 2009 (2013).2Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Incident-Based Reporting System, 2012-2016 (2017).3Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2015-2019 (2020).
See More Facts & Statistics975 perpetrators
walk free out of every 1,000 sexual assaults committed.1Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Incident-Based Reporting System, 2012-2016 (2017).
See More Facts & Statistics5%
For every 1000 sexual assaults, 50 reports lead to arrest. 1Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Incident-Based Reporting System, 2012-2016 (2017).
2.8%
For every 1000 sexual assaults, 28 cases lead to a felony conviction. 2Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Incident-Based Reporting System, 2012-2016 (2017).
2.5%
For every 1000 sexual assaults, 25 perpetrators are sentenced to incarceration. 3Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Incident-Based Reporting System, 2012-2016 (2017).
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.