In most cities, the police department will send one or two uniformed officers in a patrol car to take a report, obtain various kinds of evidence, and assist you in getting the services you need. In many police departments, the officers have had special training in how to help sexual assault victims.

During the first interview, the police will ask you questions about the assault. It may be difficult to recall some of the details, and some of the questions may remind you of the most painful aspects of the assault. The police ask specific questions because it is important to document the crime fully and to identify all the forms of abuse you suffered. If you feel uncomfortable or are embarrassed by any of the questions, you have the right to ask the police to explain the reasons for the questions to you and explain how your answers will be helpful. In addition, an advocate or a friend can accompany you to provide emotional support during the interview.

The police officers will prepare a written report, using the information you give them. You should review the report before you sign it to make sure that it is accurate. If your assailant is arrested and prosecuted, your report may be used during a court trial. In most jurisdictions, you can request a copy of the report for your own records.

Police response

The police can assist you in getting a medical examination, as well as help you resolve concerns about your personal safety. Many police departments can also provide information about resources in the community that provide victim assistance, including medical care, counseling, legal information, and financial aid.

If you contact the police shortly after the assault (within a few days), they will usually recommend that you receive immediate medical care, even if you do not have any apparent physical injuries. This is important for your own safety and well-being, as well as for purposes of evidence collection. With your consent, the police will drive you to a nearby hospital or clinic that specializes in providing sexual assault examinations. When you go to the hospital or clinic, bring a complete set of clothing with you, if possible, because the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault may be collected as evidence.

In many communities, police officers have had special training in assisting sexual assault victims. If you want to know about the police in your area, contact a counselor or an advocate at a local rape crisis center. Rape counselors and advocates are likely to know how the police in their area usually respond to sexual assault reports. Advocates can also accompany you when you make a police report.

What should I do if I am not sure that I want to make a police report?

Talking about your concerns with a rape counselor or a victim advocate who is trained to help sexual assault survivors can be very helpful. When you call a rape crisis center or a hotline, you can talk with an advocate and still remain anonymous if you do not give the advocate your name or your telephone number. (Even if you do give the advocate your name and phone number, in NH your communication is confidential. Only you have the right to waive the privledge of confidentiality). The advocate can give you information that may help you make a decision about filing a police report. The advocate can also refer you to other victim assistance services.

What are some reasons for making a police report?

To regain your sense of personal power and control: Many victims say that after a sexual assault, they are left with a feeling of powerlessness. Often, survivors begin to feel better when they find ways to regain their sense of personal power and control. Making a police report is one way to do something about what happened to you. Taking action can give you a sense of empowerment.

To document the crime that was committed against you: By making a police report, you will be creating a formal, legal record of the crime that was committed against you. Even if you are unsure at the moment whether or not you want to participate in the prosecution of your assailant, the police report will be useful if you later decide that you want to do so.

To preserve evidence of the assault: If you make a police report within 72 hours after the assault, the police will assist you in getting a specialized medical examination. During the examination, a doctor or nurse will gather physical evidence and document the findings in a medical record. Like a police report, a medical record may provide valuable evidence if your case is brought to a court trial.

To protect others from being raped: Most rapists are repeat offenders. They commit a large number of crimes, and they hurt many people. Your report may help the police arrest and prosecute a sex offender, which in turn may help prevent others from being sexually assaulted.

Can someone go with me when I make a police report?

A friend or family member can go with you to make a police report.

You may also have an advocate from a rape crisis center accompany you to provide emotional support and to help make sure that the police are sensitive to your needs. Most rape crisis centers provide advocate services free of charge.

Can I request a female officer? Can I request someone who speaks my language?

You can specifically request a female or male police officer. Similarly, you can request an officer who speaks the language that is most comfortable for you. Many police departments will make every effort to respond to your request.

When should I call the police?

Call the police as soon as possible following a sexual assault. The sooner you make your report, the more likely it is that the police will be able to collect important evidence and apprehend the assailant. A prompt report also strengthens the case for prosecution. However, even if some time has passed since you were sexually assaulted, it is never too late to make a police report or to seek help from other victim assistance agencies.

If I didn't make a police report immediately, is it too late?

It is never too late to make a police report or to seek help. Many sexual assault victims do not report the crime immediately. A delayed report is better than no report at all. Many survivors have found that making a late police report -- days, weeks, months, or years later -- helped them to feel a sense of empowerment and resolution. Since most rapists are repeat offenders, your report may also help the police identify a crime pattern or catch an assailant who has attacked other victims. The statute of limitations, however, does limit the ability to prosecute the crime. The NH statute of limitations states that you have 6 years to report the crime if you were 18 years or older when the crime occurred. If you were under the age of 18, you have until the age of 40.

What if I remember more details after I make the initial police report?

You can contact the police to provide them with the additional information. Immediately after the assault, you may have been too upset to remember everything that took place. Although difficulty recalling details is distressing, it is a very common reaction to a traumatic experience. Many survivors recall more details in the days and weeks following the assault.

Do rapists retaliate against victims who call the police?

Although some rapists threaten to retaliate physically against their victims if they report the crime to the police, retaliation rarely occurs.