How to Report a Sex Crime

Sex crimes may include a variety of different criminal activities, such as indecent exposure, prostitution, and sexual assault. [1] Although many sex crimes go unreported, it is important to report sex crimes to ensure that the person who has committed the crime will be punished and stopped from hurting others. If you are the victim of a sex crime, have witnessed a sex crime, or if you are trying to help someone who was attacked, then there are some important things you should know about reporting a sex crime. Following certain procedures may increase the chances of catching the criminal and supporting the victim.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Reporting a Sex Crime

  1. Call emergency services and ask for the police. If you are in danger, have just been sexually assaulted, have witnessed a crime, and/or are in need of emergency medical attention, then call the emergency services number born where you are right away. Don’t be afraid to call for help. [2]
    • If you are helping someone who has just been attacked, then calling emergency services is probably the best option. This person may need medical attention even if he or she does not have any visible injuries.
  2. If you are not in immediate danger or in need of medical care, then you can visit a local police station or call the direct line to your local police station to report a sex crime. Calling a police station might be the best option if you see someone exposing him or herself in public or if you notice some suspicious activity that looks like prostitution.
    • For example, if someone exposes his or her genitals to you or someone you know, then you should report this to the police. Or, if you see someone talking to someone through the car window and then get into the car and ride with the person to a secluded location, then you may want to call the police and report this activity.
    • Most police officers have gone through extensive training regarding sex crimes, so you will likely encounter a concerned, professional police officer when you make your report. [3] If you encounter someone who does not seem to be taking you seriously, then as to speak to his or her supervisor. You do not have to put up with that kind of treatment.
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  3. Victims of sexual assault or abuse should seek medical care as soon as possible. If you are not comfortable going to a police station or you have injuries that require care, then you can also go to a hospital or to see your primary care physician or gynecologist. While you are there, you can tell the medical professional caring for you that you have been assaulted and want to make a report. [4]
    • If you are not sure where to go, then you can find a medical facility that will be able to help you by contacting the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE in the USA.
    • If you are helping someone who is in need of medical care, then calling emergency services may still be the best option. However, if the person’s injuries are not severe, then you may consider taking the person to the hospital yourself.
  4. If you are still in school, then speaking with one of your teachers or a school counselor is another option for reporting a sex crime. You can tell a teacher or school counselor and he or she will be required by law to make a report to the police.
    • This may be a good option if you feel uncomfortable going to the police or if the crime occurred near the school. For example, if someone exposed him or herself to you on your way to school, then you should tell your teacher about it.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Considering Important Aspects of Reporting

  1. Laws vary from state to state on how long you can wait to report a crime after the crime was committed. [5] Therefore, it is best to report the sex crime as soon as possible.
    • Check the laws in your state if some time has passed since the sex crime was committed.
  2. Keep in mind that you will have to provide a detailed report of the sex crime. This can be difficult, but providing as many details as you can remember is important. You might consider writing down everything you remember before you go to the police.
    • If you were assaulted and the person who assaulted you was a stranger, then you might want to write down as many details as possible about that person’s appearance, including hair color, eye color, height, weight, clothing, distinguishing marks, etc.
    • If you can’t remember something or if you don’t know how to answer a question, keep in mind that it is okay to say “I can’t remember” or “I don’t know.”
    • If you are helping someone who was assaulted or flashed, then you can try asking the person what he or she remembers about the criminal. What did the person look like? What did he or she say? How did you respond?
  3. Do not let being afraid of getting into trouble stop you from reporting a sex crime. It is common for young people to worry about getting into trouble for drinking or using drugs and even think that this will put them in the wrong for a crime committed against them. However, these circumstances do not change the fact that you were the victim of a sex crime, so it is important to make a report in spite of your fears. [6]
    • Try repeating to yourself, “I did nothing to cause this to happen and I deserve to be heard.”
    • If you are helping someone who was the victim of a sex crime, then try to reassure him or her. Remind the person that it was not his or her fault.
  4. It is common for victims of sexual assault and abuse to know their attackers, but you should still make a report. Even if you had a sexual relationship with the person prior to the attack, that does not give the person the right to have a sexual relationship with you at any time. [7]
    • If you are helping someone who was the victim of a sex crime, explain to him or her that having a relationship with the person does not excuse that person if a crime was committed.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Getting a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam

  1. A sexual assault forensic exam, also known as a “rape kit,” can reveal important information about your attacker or abuser and serve as crucial DNA evidence in your case. Even if you are not certain about whether or not you want to report the crime or press charges, getting a sexual assault forensic exam will ensure that the evidence exists if you decide to report or press charges later on. [8]
    • Contents of a “rape kit” vary by location, but they usually include checklists, envelopes for evidence, a comb for collecting evidence, cotton swabs, and blood sample collection materials.
    • The test is available at no cost to you. In some locations, your insurance may be billed or you may be billed if you do not have insurance, but you will be reimbursed for the cost. [9]
    • If you are helping someone who has been assaulted or abused, then you should encourage him or her to go to a hospital for a sexual assault forensic exam. Even if the person has been attacked or abused by someone who was known to him or her, getting a sexual assault forensic exam may be necessary to prosecute the person.
  2. The urge to bathe and throw away clothing is strong, but your body and clothing contain evidence. It is recommended that victims of a sex crime not: [10]
    • Change clothing or throw away clothing from the time of the attack.
    • Shower, bathe, or douche.
    • Go to the bathroom.
    • Brush teeth or hair.
    • Clean or straighten up the scene of the attack.
  3. A sexual assault forensic exam usually takes a few hours, but it may be a shorter or longer exam depending on your condition. You will receive care for your injuries first, and then you will receive a thorough physical exam. [11]
    • During this exam, evidence will be collected, such as swabs of your mouth, anus, and/or vagina, and samples of your hair, blood, and urine.
    • You may also be asked to submit articles of your clothing as evidence, such as underwear. These articles of clothing may contain important DNA evidence.
  4. Follow up care may include testing and preventative treatment for STIs. You may also need to see a physician to check on any injuries from the assault. Plan on following up with your gynecologist and/or primary care physician. [12]
    • You may also consider finding a therapist to help you with the psychological trauma of being sexually assaulted or abused. Sexual assault and abuse can cause a wide range of emotional reactions and some people even develop post-traumatic stress disorder.
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      Tips

      • The term "sexual assault" has replaced "rape" in many jurisdictions in order to include other sex crimes.
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      • Even if you decide not to report a sex crime, you can still get counseling and medical attention for possible STDs or pregnancy.
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      • The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline at http://www.rainn.org/ offers online services to victims, friends and family. They can answer questions, provide information and offer crisis intervention. It is an anonymous program that works through private instant messaging on your computer.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/sex-crimes.html
      2. ↑ https://rainn.org/get-information/legal-information/reporting-rape
      3. ↑ https://rainn.org/get-information/legal-information/reporting-rape
      4. ↑ https://rainn.org/get-information/legal-information/reporting-rape
      5. ↑ https://apps.rainn.org/CrimeDef/landing-page-statutes.cfm
      6. ↑ https://rainn.org/get-information/legal-information/reporting-rape
      7. ↑ https://rainn.org/get-information/legal-information/reporting-rape
      8. ↑ https://rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-recovery/rape-kit
      9. ↑ https://rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-recovery/rape-kit
      1. ↑ https://rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-recovery/rape-kit
      2. ↑ https://rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-recovery/rape-kit
      3. ↑ https://rainn.org/get-information/sexual-assault-recovery/rape-kit

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