what happens when you report sexual assault (TW)

[psalm_139]

Just wanting some insight into what happens when you report a sexual assault to the police (NSW). Whats the process, whats been you experience, what happens to the accused offender (are they charged, do they go to jail, would the police show up at his door)

Working my way up to reporting what happened but feel like I need more understanding about the process. I am scared of not being believed, I am scared of what the offender could do to me, I am scared that he might make up lies or say that I wanted what he did to happen (not true), I am just really scared. The offence happened end of last year and again this year. So because I havent reported yet I am also scared that they will say to me 'why didn't you report it straight away'?

Thankyou

[geoff]

Hello Psalm, and thank you for telling us the difficult situation you are in.

The answer to 'why didn't you report it straight away' can have many answers why, that shouldn't be your concern right now, the point is that it's happened last year and now this year and must have been such a frightening time for you not knowing what you could do.

An investigation will begin and you may be asked if you want to take out an AVO on the person responsible so they won't be able to come near you and if they do, you ring the police straight away and consequences may follow for them, such as being charged etc.

Can I suggest that you write down exactly what happened on both occasions so that your story is recorded and possible charges laid and if he lies once the police question him, they will find out the truth as is story may likely change every time?

Please go to the police station and begin this enquiry, you need to stop this from ever happening again and ask the police how you can be protected.

Please, if you can get back to us when you are able to.

Geoff.

[Gabs_]

Hi psalm 139,

Thank you for being so brave in sharing your story.

I know it can be extremely daunting. It differs in each experience (and States), but usually, once you report it, you will be dealing with police who specialise in these types of cases. So they should be caring and understanding, as well as offering you support through the journey.

Given you are in NSW, you might want to contact the below services that can help guide you through the next steps and be there to support you through this:

• NSW Health Sexual Assault Services (check the website for your local services team phone number https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/parvan/sexualassault/Pages/health-sas-services.aspx)
• NSW Rape Crisis - 1800 424 017
• Sexual Assault Counselling Australia - 1800 211 028

I want you to know that they will understand why you didn't report it straight away. It's a difficult situation, and there are many varying factors to each person's situation. I had to report sexual harassment in the workplace when I was in my 20's and it took me sometime before I felt I could speak up (my boss was the one who was sexually harassing me). But once I did, and the investigation started, I was very well supported and through the investigation, they found that he had done this to other women in the same workplace previously who had resigned without reporting his behaviour.

If it gets to Court (depending on an admission of guilt or not), you will be supported by the prosecution team and you should have the option to provide evidence remotely without having to see the offender.

Do you have a support person who can help you if/when you call the above services and report it? It's important to make sure you take care of yourself during this time and the more support you have around you, the better. There will be days when you feel like justice will be served, and days where you just want to run and hide. And the best way to get through those days is with a team of love and support around you.

Please let me know if you want to talk more.

Big hugs

G x

[Bella99]

Hey I dealt with statutory rape when I was 14 so I consented and I never pushed then to get it taken further …. I’m now 22 and regret it so much. I would recommend if you feel comfortable taking it further and trying your hardest to get justice. For me they interviewed me and got as much information, proof they could and then interviewed them…. However in my situation I deleted most pics and proof I had left. So it never went anywhere and even to this day I can’t take it further. If you have enough evidence they will let you know if they can take it to court. (Wa)

[geoff]

Hello Psalm, I hope you are still with us on the forums and would really like to know how you are going.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Scapegoated]

You are always so helpful Gabs. :))