If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, please seek help with a qualified counsellor or by calling 1800 RESPECT.
It’s an understatement to say reporting a sexual assault can be daunting.
After all, it’s unlikely a victim had ever thought about what to do before they were faced with the task. So now what?
Victoria Police Senior Sergeant Brett Meadows, who has worked in the Sexual Offence Child Abuse Investigation Team for 12 years, explains that it’s really up to you.
“The victim’s welfare is our number one priority. The victim needs to have a lot of control over the investigation,” Snr Sgt Meadows said.
What’s the best way to report it?
While it’s completely up to the individual, Snr Sgt Meadows says it can be easiest for women reporting sexual assault to phone ahead instead of walking straight into their local police station.
“Firstly, (victims) come to us in a number of ways. One would be coming to the station, one would be calling police, others go through emergency at the hospital and others will ring say a sexual assault counselling line. All of these end up coming through to us one way or another. ”
Snr Sgt Meadows advises people to first seek medical treatment if required and then to call either Triple Zero, their local police station or a direct number for a sexual offences investigation unit in their area.
“Say ‘I need to report that I’ve been sexually assaulted and I don’t know what to do’.”
On the phone, the police officer answering will first determine if they need to send an officer to them or put them through to the specialist unit, who will arrange a time for them to come in.
Top Comments
Wow i was raped in qld. Completely different experience to what is depicted here. No support and was made to feel it was my fault. They sent a forensic photographer to my house to take pictures of my bruises. Thus happened over a week after when my bruises where disappearing. Great evidence. They applied for a dvo. When it was breached did nothing. Hds phone msgs which the detective told me were useless. Months later same detective had a go at me for getting rid of them.
After reading this I am still amazed that when going into a police station this week to report such a crime- I was asked to explain to officer at the front counter while next to me people were applying for a gun license.I asked to go somewhere private but the female officer said she needed the details first. I left distraught without continuing the report
I am so sad that you had this happen to you. It is bad enough going through a sexual assault let alone having the Police 'Protocol' be so unsympathetic. I wish you well.