The most important thing to remember about being the target of a sexual assault is that it is not your fault. This is a traumatizing event that is 100% the blame of the perpetrator. It is also a crime. That means it needs to be treated as such, beginning with calling 911 to report the incident. That is the main takeaway, but there are other important details that you should know about how to report sexual assault in order to protect your safety and find justice.
These are the steps to take if you or someone you love has been the target of a sexual assault.
Step 1: Get to a Safe Place
In the moments after the assault, you should get to a safe place. That can be the home of a family member or friend you trust. You can also go to an emergency room or directly to the police precinct.
Once you call 911 or report directly to the police, you can formally ask for a criminal investigation to be opened. If you know who your offender is, the police could arrest them and charge them with the crime. The moment someone is charged with the crime, the court will place an order of protection against them. If that order of protection is not automatic, you can file a civil complaint for protection.
Step 2: Go to Your Local Emergency Room
Immediately after a sexual assault, it is crucial that you resist the urge to shower and clean up. The harsh reality is that you will carry with you evidence of your assault that can be collected in a Forensic Rape Exam (FRE). This is where evidence will be collected from your hair, fingernails, and privates. That evidence can be tested for a DNA match that can conclusively prove your assailant’s identity.
Additionally, the ER team can collect the clothing you wore at the time of your attack and turn that over to the police investigators assigned to your case. It is important to remember that the collection of this evidence does not automatically mean you need to press charges at the same time. Preserving the evidence means it can be used in the future should you decide to pursue legal action, and it is important to have these tests conducted within 72 hours of the assault.
Step 3: Pressing Charges
If you move forward with pressing charges against your assailant, it will become the responsibility of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office (DAO) to pursue the matter. You will be assigned a lead prosecutor who will take your statement, analyze the evidence, and coordinate with the police to bring your attacker to justice. You might be called on to testify if the matter goes to trial. Your prosecutor will make sure you’re fully prepared.
How To Report and Find Justice for Past Assault
What can I do if I was sexually assaulted in the past? You can still file a criminal complaint for a sexual assault if the incident took place within the last 12 years. It is important to note that the 12-year statute of limitations is for criminal complaints, not civil. If you intend to file a civil complaint to seek a financial remedy for the harm you’ve suffered, you only have two years to file for an assault that took place as an adult. If the assault occurred when you were a minor, you have until the age of 30 to file.
If you decide to file a civil complaint, you’ll want the kind of guidance and support offered by the attorneys at Laffey Bucci D’Andrea Reich & Ryan. We understand the sensitive nature of these types of cases and will treat them with the discretion, compassion, and care you deserve. Finding justice can help you on your journey through the healing process.