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Reporting to the police
You can choose whether or not to report what has happened to the police. For some people, reporting their attacker and seeking justice is very important.
Other people do not want to tell anyone at all, far less report to an official body. They may feel embarrassed or ashamed; frightened about what the attacker might do; think they will not be believed; or be anxious about having to go to court and give evidence. If the attacker is a partner or close family member, they may worry about the effect on family or friends.
The conviction rate for rape and sexual assault is low and this may put people off reporting. The Scottish Government, the police and the Crown Office are looking at ways to improve this.
People may also be reluctant to report if they were doing something illegal at the time; there may be an immigration issue; or they may be working in the sex industry and think they just have to put up with it or that they won't be believed.
It may help to talk about any concerns before making a decision. You can to talk to a police officer first without giving your name. You can also speak to a support organisation (see section 4).
In making your decision, it may be helpful to think about the following:
If you report:
- This may stop your attacker from harming you again or from harming someone else
- You may feel better by taking control and doing what you can to ensure your attacker accounts for the crime
- You may be able to claim compensation for any injury ( see here)
- The police will carry out an investigation. If, at a later date, you do not want to go ahead, your wishes would be taken into account but the police may continue the investigation
If you choose not to report:
- It is not your fault if your attacker harms someone else
- The attacker is responsible for what they do
- They always have a choice
But, if you do not want to report because your attacker or someone else has threatened to harm you if you do, it is better that the police know this so they can take measures to make sure that you are not at risk.
If you are not sure what happens when you report a crime to the police or how the legal system works, you can find out more in section 3.
If you know that you want to report to the police, do this as soon as possible. This is because the longer you leave it, the more likely it is that some evidence may get damaged or lost ( see here).
Even if the assault happened some time ago, you can still report it to the police. Some people do not report until years later. There may still be evidence to help the police continue with an investigation.
Whether you choose to report to the police or not, there are many organisations which can help you.
How to report
You can report by phone or go to any police station. You can get the details of your nearest police station in the phone book, yellow pages or online (see below). Depending on the circumstances, police officers may come to your home first rather than ask you to come to a police station.
In some areas, you can report a crime through another agency.
This means that you do not have to contact the police direct. The agency does this for you. This is called Remote Reporting. To find out if there is a scheme in your area, and for details of agencies to which you can report, you can check details on police force websites (see below).
You can take a supporter with you to the police station. This could be a friend or family member or someone from a support agency.
If you report the assault immediately, take a change of clothes with you in case the police keep the ones you are wearing ( see here).
You can ask to speak to a male or female police officer.
The police will provide an interpreter if your first language is not English.
Tell the police if you are worried about your safety.
You can get support whether or not you report to the police.
You have a right to be treated sensitively and with respect.
You have a right to complain if you are not.
Reporting is the first stage in the criminal justice process. It may not result in a prosecution.
Contact:
For details of your nearest police station, check your phone book (under P) or contact:
Central Scotland Police: www.centralscotland.police.uk 01786 456000
Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary: www.dumfriesandgalloway.police.uk 0845 600 5701
Fife Constabulary: www.fife.police.uk 0845 600 5702
Grampian Police: www.grampian.police.uk 0845 600 5700
Lothian and Borders Police: www.lbp.police.uk 0131 311 3131
Northern Constabulary: www.northern.police.uk 08456 033 388
Strathclyde Police: www.strathclyde.police.uk 0141 532 2000
Tayside Police: www.tayside.police.uk 01382 223200
British Transport Police: www.btp.police.uk 0800 40 50 40
If you believe you are in immediate danger of assault dial 999.
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