HOW TO REPORT MALE SEXUAL ABUSE TO THE POLICE
What to do if you were raped
1.Find a safe place
2.Tell someone you trust what has happened to you, it may be difficult but this person can help you with the process, and may even be a report witness in court if you decide to open a case (information in article to follow)
3.If you are injured or not, go straight to the hospital, being the victim of rape can have major consequences if you are not checked for any sexually transmitted diseases.
4. As difficult as it may be, DO NOT throw away your clothes or wash yourself after the event, there may be critical evidence that can help police in their investigation. Blood, semen, hair and saliva in the smallest quantity can help in bringing the offender to justice. Make sure at the hospital the nurse or doctor on duty keeps your clothes and any evidence on your person the way it was if you intend on reporting the crime.
5.If you were drunk or on drugs at the time of the rape don’t let that stop you from reporting the matter or getting medical treatment – being intoxicated is not a crime, rape is!
6.If you want to report the rape or sexual abuse go to the police station nearest to where the rape took place.
Do this as soon as you can or within three days so that there is a stronger chance of finding proof of the attack and of catching the suspected rapist. (If you don’t go within this time, don’t panic, it is still possible to report the rape within 20 years, this means that if you were raped up to 20 years ago, you can still report the event today) It is often useful to call a friend or family member to go with you and support you at the station. Keep the name and contact number of the police officer in charge as well as your police case number. You are also entitled to a copy of the statement you make to the police.
7.At the police station, it is your right to be treated fairly and spoke to in a correct, responsible, compassionate manner regarding the traumatic event you have faced. The police have an obligation to you to be respectful at all times. If you feel hostility on the part of the police official, ask to speak to the station commander or designated officer in charge.
8.You must ensure you receive the following treatment from the doctor even if you do not wish to lay a charge:
- Get an HIV test and antiretroviral (ARV) treatment within 72 hours to prevent you from contracting HIV. You will need to go back for follow-up visits to the doctor for further HIV tests
- Receive antibiotics to prevent any Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)
You are entitled to this kind of medical attention even if you do not want to report the matter to the police. The HIV treatment must be administered within 72 hours of the rape or sexual abuse.
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