Justice can mean different things to different people, and reporting a crime to law enforcement is an individual decision. Many who have decided to report to law enforcement have described it as the first step in seeking justice for the crime by holding the perpetrator accountable for their actions. It may not be an easy decision to make, but it’s a choice that may have a positive impact on your recovery.
Understanding how to report and learning more about the experience can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.
You may only interact with law enforcement when you report, or they might ask you to stay involved with the investigation over a length of time.
Understanding a few key aspects of the criminal justice system can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.
All survivors respond differently to sharing their experience publicly, and testifying in court is no exception.
During a sexual assault forensic exam, a trained healthcare professional can collect DNA evidence from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings.
Preserving DNA evidence is a key tool for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes of sexual violence.