How to Report Sexual Assault
How to Report Sexual Assault
Reporting Sexual Assault: Your Options & Rights
Deciding whether to report a sexual assault is a deeply personal choice. Some survivors report immediately. Others wait months or years. Some choose not to report at all. There is no right or wrong timeline, and every survivor deserves the space to make decisions at their own pace.
People report for different reasons. Some survivors seek medical care or documentation. Others want to pursue a criminal investigation, request accommodations at school or work, or better understand their legal options. Knowing what to expect helps many survivors feel more informed and in control throughout the process.
Immediate Steps And Safety
If the assault occurred recently, physical safety and medical care are the first priorities.
Find A Safe Space
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or advocate may help you feel supported during the immediate aftermath.
Preserve Evidence
If you are considering a forensic exam, often called a rape kit, try to avoid showering, bathing, changing clothes, eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth beforehand if possible. If you change clothes, place them in a paper bag rather than plastic to help preserve possible DNA evidence.
While many forensic exams are ideally performed within 72 hours, evidence collection may still be possible beyond that timeframe depending on the circumstances and state guidelines.
Even if you are unsure about reporting, preserving evidence helps keep options available later.
Seek Medical Care
Medical care can address injuries, provide emergency contraception, offer testing or preventive treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and connect survivors with additional support resources.
You do not need to file a police report to receive medical care.
What Reporting Options Exist
There is no single path survivors are required to follow. Depending on the situation, survivors may choose one or several reporting options.
Standard Police Report
A police report begins a formal criminal investigation. An officer will usually ask questions about what happened and create an official report. A detective may later follow up for a more detailed interview.
Survivors have the right to pause or stop participation in an investigation at any time.
Forensic Exam (Rape Kit)
A forensic exam collects possible DNA evidence and documents injuries. In many states, survivors can choose to have evidence collected and stored anonymously while deciding whether to involve law enforcement. These are often called “Jane Doe” or “non-report” exams.
Forensic exams are free for survivors in the United States.
Title IX or Workplace Reporting
If the assault occurred at school or work, survivors may have the option to report through a Title IX office, Human Resources department, or another internal reporting system.
These processes are separate from the criminal justice system and may provide accommodations related to housing, scheduling, workplace assignments, or class changes.
Your Rights As a Survivor
Survivors maintain important rights throughout the reporting process.
These rights may include:
- The right to receive medical care
- The right to ask questions before making decisions
- The right to have a support person present
- The right to privacy and confidentiality protections
- The right to receive updates about a case or evidence collection process
Specific laws and protections vary by state.
Many survivors find it helpful to talk through their experiences or questions with a trained advocate, even if they are unsure what steps they want to take next.
If You Choose Not to Report
Choosing not to report is a valid decision. Many survivors decide to focus on healing, safety, or emotional recovery without involving the legal system.
A survivor does not need to file a formal report to seek medical care, counseling, accommodations, or support services.
Support and Resources
Take Back The Night provides resources to support survivors at every stage. You do not have to navigate the healing journey alone.
Take Back The Night’s National Sexual Assault Legal Hotline provides free, confidential, trauma-informed legal support for survivors across the United States. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Other Resources
Explore survivor-centered tools, educational materials, and healing support through the Take Back The Night website.
Find state advocacy organizations and crisis centers near you.
Take Back The Night hosts both in-person and virtual events to bring survivors and supporters together. Participating in marches, speak-outs, and vigils reminds survivors that they are not alone.