WHY SHOULD I REPORT MY SEXUAL ASSAULT?
Deciding to report a sexual assault is a difficult decision. It is important to understand some of the common reasons for making a report so you can weigh the pros and cons for yourself.
INCREASE PERSONAL SAFETY
A clear advantage of filing a report is that such a report can help to increase your own personal safety. Filing a report can grant you access to resources to help keep you safe from the perpetrator, especially if there are concerns that he or she may still pose a risk to you.
HELP THE POLICE CHARGE THE PERPETRATOR
Your report can help the police charge the perpetrator. This can in turn help to ensure that they cannot assault someone else.
OBTAIN ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Some victims services do not require a police report, such as obtaining help with a personal safety plan or applying for a temporary protective order. However, a number of other services, such as obtaining financial help through the Victims of Crime Program, do require a police report to have been filed. Therefore, reporting your assault may open up further resources to help you.
DISCUSSING YOUR REPORTING OPTIONS
In the end, the decision to make a police report is entirely up to you. Feel free to contact and discuss your case with a police Victim's Advocate to help you understand more about the reporting process and how it can benefit you. Click here for a list of the Victim's Advocates in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County.