PROCEDURES WHEN REPORTING A RAPE OR SEXUAL ASSAULT TO THE POLICE
You will meet a police official at a police station, either closest to your residence or where the incident took place.
The designated official will take your statement. You do not need to be alone, a friend or family member can be with you while you make your statement, they can provide support and safety.
If you later feel that your statement is wrong or incomplete, don’t worry, you can make another statement when you like.
You can make your statement in your own language if it can be translated.
You have a right to a copy of your statement. It may sometimes not be possible to get a copy straight away, but you will and can get it later.
The police official working with you will give you a case number; you must refer to this number whenever you want to infer about your case.
Where necessary, the investigating officer will make sure you are examined by a health care worker; the health care worker will complete a health report and take any evidence for processing.
You must make sure that the investigating officer knows how and where to contact you at all times, and you must notify them if you change locations.
The investigating officer will let you know the following;
If or when the suspect has been arrested
If the suspect is released on bail
If you need to attend an identity parade
The date the trial will be taking place
When you will be needed to provide evidence
The police investigate the case and then hand it over to a state lawyer called a prosecutor. The service is free to you and both the police official and the prosecutor will be able to give you information about your case.
Ask for the contact number of the investigating officer, so in future you know where to get information about your case.
Know your rights, become more informed on the process of reporting a case of sexual abuse, follow this link; National Instruction 3/2008: Sexual Offences to receive information on the way those on duty at the police station have a responsibility, the privacy of the setting during your statement and how you should be treated with due respect and compassion for the trauma recently or previously faced. Taking a look at this link will also allow you to be better prepared in dealing with any unresponsive officers while reporting your event, enabling you to state the order you should receive help as well as the prompt service you expect.
What you will find in the document;
“The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007
(Act No. 32 of 2007) creates a framework which will ensure the provision of adequate and effective protection to victims of sexual offences. The purpose of this National Instruction is to ensure that members render a professional service to victims in respect of the investigation of offences of this nature and to assist victims in this regard.”
“Any person who reports the alleged commission of a sexual offence to a member must be treated in a professional manner and must be reassured that the report is viewed in a serious light and will be thoroughly investigated.”
Pages 4 and 5 of the link National Instruction 3/2008: Sexual Offences deals with Victim Assistance and is very important to know should you want to report a sexual offence. Please read through this information.
Don’t protect the rapist, report your sexual assault or rape and help others report their incidents too.
To report a rape or sexual abuse, contact your local Police Station or alternatively call;
POLICE EMERGENCY NUMBER 10 111
CRIME STOP 08600 10 111
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