What to Bring When Reporting Sexual Assault - Go Thrive Go

December 6, 2023 Dec 06, 2023 3 min read

What to Bring When Reporting Sexual Assault to the Police (Checklist)

The following checklist will help you prepare to report a sexual assault to the authorities. While you don’t technically need to bring anything with you other than yourself and your story, we recommend bringing the things listed below to make your experience at the police station as smooth and efficient as possible.

Identification

While you don’t legally have to provide ID to report sexual assault, the law officer you speak to will ask for it. This can be an easy way to provide your basic personal information which will be used to create your police report.

In some places, including parts of Canada, survivors can report sexual assault and abuse without providing any identifying information about themselves.

A trusted friend or loved one

Because the process of reporting can be stressful, scary, and even re-traumatizing in some cases, bringing someone with you for emotional support is highly encouraged. Make sure this person is sympathetic to what you’re going through and that they’re prepared to support you when things become emotionally difficult.

If you would rather not bring a friend or family member with you, reach out to an advocacy organization in your area to request accompaniment. Sexual assault advocates are available to accompany victims of sexual assault when reporting to the police, appearing in court, and more. To find an advocacy organization near you, use the Go Thrive Go database and search for “Advocacy / Accompaniment” in your area.

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Something to read, listen to, or watch

Depending on where you live, the police station you visit might be busy when you arrive. If you end up having to wait a while to speak with a law officer, having something comforting to read, watch, or listen to can be a good way to pass the time.

Any relevant evidence

This could be an item of clothing belonging to the assailant (especially if it hasn’t been washed since the assault), a clear photograph of the assailant, any photographic or video evidence of the assault, or any non-intimate items that may contain DNA evidence from the assailant.

This checklist offers a brief look at what to bring when reporting sexual assault to the police. For a more in-depth look at how to prepare for this process, check out our article“Reporting Rape or Sexual Assault (What to Expect).” For more information on how to report, check out “Where, When, and How to Report Rape or Sexual Assault.”

For a look at some other legal options besides reporting, check out “Legal Options for Victims of Sexual Assault and Rape.” Finally, if you suspect reporting might not be the right option for you, check out our article “It’s Okay Not to Report Sexual Assault (Here’s Why).”