Sexual assault is one of the most serious crimes. The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network reports that an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Sexual assault has serious physical and emotional consequences for the victim.
Victims of sexual assault should fight back. They should report the incident and do everything in their power to make sure the perpetrator is put behind bars.
Legal representation is important to getting justice for sexual assault. The sexual abuse attorneys at Dolman Law Group and other experienced law firms are known for fighting the good fight alongside victims.
In this blog post, we are going to share the important guidelines for reporting sexual assault.
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is a form of sexual abuse that includes a wide range of unwanted sexual behaviors.
In simple terms, it is when an individual forcefully has sex with or attempts to have sex with another person.
Sexual assault can happen in various forms. The following are some of the types of sexual assault:
- Incest
- Sodomy
- Rape
- Statutory rape
- Stalking
- Sexual assault involving a minor
- Internet sex crimes
- Oral copulation of a minor
- Child pornography
- Same gender assault
The Important Guidelines for Reporting Sexual Assault
All forms of inappropriate sexual conduct must be reported. This not only helps punish the perpetrators but also gives courage to other victims to reach out for help.
The sections below discuss some points to remember when reporting a sexual assault.
Inform the police
Victims can report the incident to 911 or visit a police station directly to report the incident.
College students should get in touch with the law enforcement authorities on campus to report the incident.
Get yourself tested
A thorough medical checkup is essential for victims of sexual assault. Victims may be vulnerable to physical injuries. There’s also the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
Visiting the hospital also presents the opportunity to report the incident. Victims can seek the help of a medical professional in reporting the crime.
Request for privacy and confidentiality
Sexual assault is a sensitive incident. During reporting, the victims may be forced to answer sensitive questions. You should request that the police officer discuss the incident in a private space.
Keep in mind that you have the right to keep this incident private. At the same time, you should also feel comfortable and have more privacy.
Request for support
It is always better to have a friend or family member with you when reporting the incident. Some police stations have professional lawyers to assist victims.
You can also connect with a lawyer in your area for assistance in dealing with the legal aspects of the incident.
Get a forensic report
A forensic report serves as the main evidence of a sexual assault. This report will help prove that someone sexually assaulted you.
Victims can request that the police arrange a medical checkup to get the forensic report. During the forensic exam, the doctor will collect DNA evidence to strengthen the case.
The role of a lawyer
Survivors of sexual assault must contact an experienced lawyer to find out what their legal options are. One major benefit of hiring a lawyer is getting fair compensation for all the losses the victim suffers. This includes:
- Medical expenses (present and future)
- Cost of therapy (physical and psychological)
- Punitive damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Final Thoughts
Sexual assault has drastic consequences, physically, emotionally, and financially. Victims must report the incident to the authorities to punish the perpetrator. Reporting also sends a message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.
Victims should also consider seeking the services of an experienced sexual abuse attorney. Their assistance is invaluable for victims seeking justice.
David Prior
David Prior is the editor of Today News, responsible for the overall editorial strategy. He is an NCTJ-qualified journalist with over 20 years’ experience, and is also editor of the award-winning hyperlocal news title Altrincham Today. His LinkedIn profile is here.
