REPORTING THE ASSAULT

To Report Or Not To Report?

It is completely your decision whether or not to report the assault to law enforcement. There are many things you should know about reporting when considering your decision.

First you need to know:

• You may have less than 120 hours (5 days) to collect forensic evidence.
• Evidence does not last long.

What You Should Know When Reporting The Assault...

• You may be eligible for Crime Victims’ Compensation provided by the state of Arizona. Arizona Crime Victims’ Compensation can cover expenses resulting from the crime, Including medical and/or counseling expenses, and lost wages.
• If you want to press charges, keep in mind that the sooner you report the crime, the better the chances are for prosecution.
• You may receive support and assistance during the trial process from Victim Witness Court Advocates if your case goes to trial.
• The person who assaulted you may serve time in jail or prison or may be sentenced to probation.
• After you report, you can always change your mind. The Pima County Attorney’s Office may continue the investigation without your cooperation; however that does not happen frequently.

You Should Also Know That...

• It may be very difficult for you to repeat your story many times to law enforcement and in court.
• The Pima County Attorney has the right to decide whether or not to proceed with the case. You are entitled to know why your case was or was not filed.
• The criminal justice system makes every effort to thoroughly pursue justice, which results in a lengthy process. 

• Reporting may be emotionally difficult.  You may feel as if you are reliving the assault.
• You may not want the assault to be a matter of public record.
• In the criminal justice system you will be labeled as a ‘victim’ not a survivor.
• In an effort to protect all citizens, the criminal justice system presumes all people are innocent until proven guilty. This includes the person who assaulted you. Going through the process of having to prove that a crime took place can be frustrating when you already know that you were assaulted.

IF I CHOOSE TO REPORT THE ASSAULT...

What happens after I make the report? 

A uniformed officer responds to where you are calling from and takes your initial statement. You will need to give a brief summary of what happened. A detective may respond and take a detailed, taped statement from you. In some cases, a detective may not respond.

Will I have to be alone with the police officer or detective?

You may be requested to talk with an officer or detective alone or with an advocate present. You have the right to have an advocate present.

How much detail will I need to provide about the assault?

When speaking with a detective you will be asked to describe in very specific detail what happened to you. You may have to repeat some of the details more than once. It is okay if you cannot answer all of the questions. You may not be able to remember parts or all of what happened to you. That is okay. Just let the detective know that you do not remember something rather than guessing. You may be able to remember more details later.

Will the police locate and talk to the person who assaulted me if it is someone I know?

In most situations, yes. The timing of the questioning depends on the circumstances of the case.

Is a Medical Forensic Exam required?

No. You have the right to not have the exam. In most situations, your case is less likely to move forward if you choose not to have the medical-forensic exam.

Will anyone else have to know about the assault besides the police?

If you are 18 years or older, the information you tell the police will not be shared with your family. However, your report will be on file as public record.

Reporting Information For Minors

If I report the assault, will my parents find out?

Yes. Your parents or legal guardians will be notified by law enforcement.

If I have had consensual sex before the assault, do my parents have to know?

No. Although, your parents may find out if they are in the room during the exam with the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).  It is your choice if they are in the room during your conversation with the SANE.

What if I don’t want to press charges but my parents do?

Your parents or legal guardians have the right to press charges without your consent.

If I was drinking at the time of the assault, will I be charged with under age drinking?   No.

Are there services available for my parents?

Yes. Services are available for you, your friends, and anyone in your family. The Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault can talk to your parents about how they can be supportive without disempowering you. If you are feeling frustrated by how your parents are reacting, you may suggest that they call the Center Against Sexual Assault’s 24-hour crisis line. You may also want to call our crisis line. Calls can be made anonymously.

Military: Restricted and Unrestricted Reporting Options

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) believes its first priority is for victims to be protected, treated with dignity and respect, and to receive the medical treatment, care and counseling that they deserve. Under DoD’s Confidentiality Policy, military victims of sexual assault have two reporting options:  Restricted and Unrestricted reporting.

Restricted Reporting

Restricted reporting allows a sexual assault victim to confidentially disclose the details of his or her assault to specified individuals and receive medical treatment, without triggering the official investigative process. Davis-Monthan active duty service members who are sexually assaulted and desire restricted reporting under this policy may only report the assault to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), an advocate, chaplain or health care personnel.

Upon notification of a reported sexual assault, the SARC will discuss the options and rights of the victim. Healthcare personnel will initiate the appropriate care and treatment, and report the sexual assault to the Center or the SARC in lieu of reporting the assault to law enforcement or the command. The Advocate will provide accurate information on the process of restricted versus unrestricted reporting.

At the victim’s discretion/request a SANE shall conduct a medical forensic examination, which may include the collection of evidence. 

Unrestricted Reporting

This option is for victims of sexual assault who desire medical treatment, and an official investigation of the crime. When selecting unrestricted reporting, you use current reporting channels, e.g. chain of command, law enforcement or report the incident to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), or request healthcare personnel to notify law enforcement. Upon notification of a reported sexual assault, the SARC will contact an advocate. At the victim’s discretion/request, the healthcare personnel shall conduct a medical forensic examination, which may include the collection of evidence. Details regarding the incident will be limited to only those personnel who have a legitimate need to know.

Other Ways to Report to Law Enforcement

Go To A Hospital Emergency Department - Ask the hospital to call law enforcement. Law enforcement will come and speak to you at the hospital. At any time, you can ask them or the hospital to call the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault. Advocates respond to any hospital emergency department in Tucson to offer crisis intervention, advocacy, information and referrals. An advocate may help you understand what your rights are, and what your options are from this point forward.

Report Directly At A Police Station - This option is only available during business hours (Monday- Friday 8am-5pm).

Go To The Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault’s Main Office - File a report with the support of an advocate. This option is only available during business hours (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm).

The Fastest Way To Report: Call 911 - If you were assaulted recently, and want to report, we recommend calling 911 first.  Reporting from the hospital instead of calling 911 is often a lengthy process.

How Can Your Local Sexual Assault Crisis Center Help?

Confidential support and information is available 24-hours a day through the Center. The Center has a 24-hour bilingual hotline so you can get in touch with an advocate. Advocates are available to talk with anyone who has been affected by sexual violence. You can call 365 days a year. Advocates can provide emotional support, crisis intervention and explain options to sexual assault victims or their parents, partners, or friends. In Pima County there is a protocol that states that if a rape victim goes to the hospital to receive general medical care or a medical forensic exam the hospital should call the local rape crisis center to have an advocate come to the hospital to meet with the victim. If you go to the hospital to have an exam and there is not an advocate there, you may also request that the hospital contact an advocate to meet with you.

What Should You Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted?

• First, get to a safe place. Call the police, a friend, or a sexual assault crisis center. You may find it very helpful to have an advocate nearby to support you through the process of dealing with a sexual assault;
• Do not change your clothes, shower, bathe or wash away any evidence;
• Go to the nearest hospital emergency room to be examined and have necessary medical and legal evidence collected. Being seen by medical personnel does not mean that the case will be prosecuted. The hospital will contact the crisis center to have an advocate meet you at the hospital. The hospital will also contact the police, but you are not required to talk to an officer. Bring a change of clothing with you. Any clothes worn at the time of the assault may be collected as evidence.

If You Are A Student

University of Arizona Campus

To make a formal report with the police:

If you were sexually assaulted on campus or in a UA-owned facility, you can contact UAPD to report the assault by calling (520) 621-8273. UAPD officers and detectives are trained to respond to victims of sexual assault.

If you were sexually assaulted off campus you can contact local law enforcements agencies (911) to make a formal report of sexual assault.

Making a report with the Dean of Students Office:

You can contact the Dean of Students Office by walking into Old Main, by calling (520) 621-7057, or filing a complaint form online at
dos.web.arizona.edu/judicialresources.

Counseling and Support on UA Campus

Oasis Program Support Services:

The Oasis Program offers counseling and advocacy to University of Arizona students, faculty, and staff who have been impacted by sexual assault. Services are available to men, women, and LGBT populations.

The counseling services provided by the Oasis Program are free and confidential.

*The Oasis Program is mandated by law to report incidents of abuse/assault of individuals under the age of 18. There are a few other exceptions to the rule of confidentiality, and your counselor will address those with you.

Support/Counseling Options

        Campus Health’s Oasis Program

              (520) 626-2051

        Counseling and Psychological Services

              (520) 621-3334

              1224 E. Lowell St., Rm. D301

              Tucson, AZ 85721

              Hours: Monday – Friday

              8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Housing

UA Campus

Residence Life - Contact your RA on Call

ASUA Legal Assistance - (520) 621-2782

ASUA Legal Aid is a service on campus that may be helpful to students who have questions about breaking an off-campus lease due to safety concerns. Services are free and confidential and are offered by an attorney. For more information visit the following website: http://legal.asua.arizona.edu or call (520) 621-2782.

Medical

UA Campus

Campus Health Service

(520) 621-6490

At Campus Health Service (CHS), same day care is available for UA students who have been sexually assaulted. These services are available during regular Campus Health hours.

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