Every year, thousands of individuals become victims of sexual assault. It’s a criminal offense leaving many feeling helpless. For those who find themselves in this situation, options and support are available.

Breakdown

Sexual assault and abuse are most often used interchangeably. They are both defined as nonconsensual touching or sexual contact. This includes offenses of rape, unwanted groping or fondling, and other forms found here.

It is important to note that under California law, these two terms are different. Sexual abuse refers to minors, whereas the term sexual assault is used for adult victims. It’s essential to know this in case you are thinking about taking legal action.

Reporting The Assault

If you want to take legal action in the case of sexual assault, it is important to know how to start. Following these steps will help make the process easier and less stressful.

There are a couple of different ways that you can report a sexual assault case. If you are seeking immediate action, the best thing to do is call 911. Assistance will be provided wherever you are. If you are more comfortable, you can go straight to a law enforcement office. You can directly call your local law enforcement or visit the station in person.

Police may ask you some questions about the assault when you report it. You should be prepared to explain where and when the assault took place and who the perpetrator was. If these and other questions are difficult to answer, don’t worry. Law enforcement will be patient and help you through the process.

You can also visit a medical center to be treated after and report the assault. There will be the option to get an assault forensic exam to assist with DNA evidence in your case.

There is no federal limit on when a person can report a crime to the police, including sexual assault. In some states, there are limits on when charges can be filed against someone, and a case can be prosecuted. This chart will help you understand your rights and the timeframe in which you can file.

Common Concerns

If you are thinking about reporting a sexual assault, there are many worries that people share. Below are some of the most frequent concerns of sexual assault victims:

• What if I am in a relationship with the perpetrator? Sexual assault can happen in relationships; they do not provide automatic consent. Assault is still against the law, no matter who the people involved are.

• What if there is not enough proof? If you have no physical evidence, sexual assault forensic exams and DNA evidence can help.

• What if law enforcement doesn’t believe me? Most police have adequate training and are on your side. If there is a case when someone does not believe you, report it and talk to someone else.

• Will I get in trouble? Many victims, especially minors, have this concern. No matter what you were doing at the time of the assault, reporting and seeking help is the most important thing.

Help Resources

Even though you now understand how to report assault and the common concerns that victims have, coming forward isn’t always easy. Resources are available to help you through the process.

The national sexual assault hotline, RAINN, is a valuable resource for victims. The site provides confidential resources, including an online chat and phone number that will connect you with an operator.

RAINN offers a variety of specific services, including support for domestic or dating violence. The program partners with over 1,000 sexaul assault service providers throughout the country, providing you assistance from anywhere.

Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) provides crisis services, information, and resources for survivors. SAKI is a support system that is building a community to help those who have been victims and prevent future assaults from taking place.

The program has built response teams to assist in tracking DNA and evidence from sexual assault kits, with the goal of helping survivors successfully report their assaults.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) helps survivors understand what steps to take after an assault and provides emotional reassurance and in-person support. They offer accompaniment during medical exams or reporting, follow-up services, and referrals to other organizations.

They prioritize providing resources for victims to understand their rights and stand up against their abuser. They have information on the availability of forensic exams, the statute of limitations, and reporting regulations.

Conclusion

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you are not alone. By understanding the steps to take when reporting, the process is a lot less dautning. Help is available if you need someone to talk to. The most important thing to remember is to take care of yourself and start on the right path to healing.