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Diagram of police and prosecution process
This diagram takes you through the police and prosecution process.
Notes
If you decide to involve the police, do this as soon as possible so that forensic evidence can be gathered from your clothes and body. Page 61 tells you more about what you should and shouldn't do before a medical examination.
Once the case reaches the Procurator Fiscal, and preliminary investigations begin, Victim Information and Advice should contact you and keep you informed of developments. Contact them ( see here) at any time for information.
Discussions about special measures ( see here) and applications to discuss sexual and character history ( see here) can come up at any time between precognition and any trial.
There is no time limit on how long it can take from first reporting the assault until the accused is charged or first appears in court.
After the accused has first appeared in court, the trial should happen within one year if they are released on bail or within 140 days if they are remanded in custody. But the judge can extend this.
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