4.6 Filing a Police Report

The decision to file a police report and follow through with prosecution is a deeply personal decision that rests with the survivor.

As an advocate, you have the opportunity to collaborate with healthcare providers and the police to prosecute the crime of sexual assault.

This coordinated response sends a message to the community that says sexual assault is taken seriously.

When there are successful prosecutions, community members are more willing to come forward at health centers to disclose sexual assault and begin the process of prosecution.

If the survivor is at all considering whether to follow up with prosecution, they must file a police report to document that a crime has been committed.

As an advocate, your role is to explain this process to the survivor.

They may want to make a statement to law enforcement while at the health center, or they may prefer to do this later.

Consider whether you would be willing to accompany them to the police station while they make a statement, as part of your advocacy work.