How to Report Rape

How to Report Rape/Assault:

What does it mean to tell the authorities?

Telling the authorities entails telling a police officer. This means that name, number, address, age, and possibly more will need to be given. The victim will be assigned a case number and get a full body examination done. This is bascially a tell-all. It means giving as many details as possible.

Does stating I have been assaulted or raped mean I have to talk to the authorities?

No. This is called a "Jane Doe" report. What this means is the victim will receive a code. This code will be attached to the case number/evidence number. This means that if the victim chooses to add any more information, they can show officials or hospital staff the code. The officials or hospital staff will know which case they are referring too, however, it also allows the victim's names to be left out of the legal system entirely.

Does my case need to be used in court? Does my "evidence" need to be used?

No. If the victim chooses to get a full body examination done, the evidence may be put into storage and thrown away later. Getting a body examination done does not mean any of it needs to be used.

If I report rape or attempted rape, am I pressing charges against my rapist? Do I need to show up to court?

No. Reporting rape or attempted rape is not you pressing any charges. The victim is not the one who presses charges, the state that the rape took place in/ the state reported in will the ones pressing charges.

How long after I have been raped can I get a full body examination done?

A victim has up to seven days to report that they have been raped to get a body examantion done for the evidence to still be viable.

How can I get a full body examination done?

The victim can go to a local hospital and state that they have been raped/sexually assaulted. Again, this has to be done up to seven days after the rape/assault took place.

What happens during a full body examination and how long do they take?

The victim should be taken into a private location/room where they will be properly examined and evidence will be taken. The person in charge of the examination may swab certain areas and take pictures. This examination can take a few hours, usually ranging from 1.5-4 hours. This is because the medical examiner is trying to get as much evidence as possible. All identifying aspects of a person, such as their face, will be hidden from the evidence unless the victim gives permission to do so.

Does the body examination cost money?

An examination has no charge. However, anything outside of the examination is not free, such as medication, or if there is an excess hospital stay. As mentioned, all medication, such as for STDs will charged for, expect if it is emergency contraceptive. The medical examiner should be the ones who will tell you if you will be charged for something.

*Again, the body examination is free of charge.

Do I have to be alone during my examination?

A victim will always have the choice to be alone during an examination. However, they also have the choice to bring anyone for emotional support. If the victim chooses to not bring anyone, but would like someone with them, an advocate may be requested.

*If the victim chooses to open a police investigation, an advocate may be appointed to them anyway.

**What is an advocate?

Sexual assault advocates provide emotional, information, and more. Aka, anything the victim/survivor may need.

Here is a link to a website if you need better understanding of what an advocate is. This website also has advocacy resources at the bottom:

www.wcasa.org/resources/areas-of-interest/advocacy/

Here is a link to a webiste that can provide for details for reporting:

thebluebench.org/get-help/for-myself/i-need-help/reporting-my-assault.html