Reporting Sexual Assault

Years ago, we would only hear about sexual harassment and assaults around the water cooler. They would just be gossip that people knew about, however, these incidents would rarely be dealt with in a legal manner. Over the past several years, cases regarding sexual assault and harassment have been receiving international coverage, with offenders standing in front of the judge and being prosecuted. You may be thinking that you have to be famous in order for your case to get any attention but that’s not the case because you’re not the only one. In fact, in one study, 24% of females stated that they were being sexually harassed. If you or someone you know has been sexually harassed or assaulted, there are a couple steps you need to take if you want your harasser to be charged.

  1. Where did the assault happen? Where this incident occurs may slightly change the way you go around things. For example, if the incident happens at a workplace, then you need to inquire with the company and see if you need to file a formal complaint through them first. In addition, you also need to know that there is a statute of limitations which varies depending on where the sexual assault occurs. A statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit against another person. This varies between states that you need to double check on.
  2. Talk to a lawyer. You should do this as soon as possible as the best way to go through this process of filing and charging someone for sexual assault is if you contact a couple sexual assault lawyers. A sexual assault lawyer will help you go through the process and show you the possible options you have. Now, we’re saying “a couple lawyers” because it’ll give you a second opinion. Most lawyers offer a free consultation, so, take advantage of that opportunity to ask questions and see what they offer as a service.
  3. Collect all the evidence possible. If you’re looking to press charges, you’re going to need evidence. If possible, you need to collect as much information to help your case as possible. What does this mean? You need to have copies of anything that builds your case. Whether it’s text messages, emails, photos, witnesses, everything you have. In addition, write down exactly what happened, where it happened, and when. Make sure you be as detailed as possible.
  4. Are you the only one? You can file a lawsuit against someone who’s sexually assaulted you and depending on what your lawyer says, you may have a strong case as it is. However, if you’re able to show evidence that this person was sexually assaulting other women, then you’ll have a even stronger case. Now, there may be other women you were also sexually assaulted by this individual, however, not all of them want to take legal action and that’s their choice. This shouldn’t hinder you from continuing onward with your case.