Reporting Sexual Assault to Law Enforcement

By calling 911 if it is an emergency;

• all 911 phone calls are audio recorded and will be provided to the Crown / Prosecutor and all lawyers on the case. 

Filing a report in person;

• You can attend the nearest police station when you are ready to make a complaint. 
• When you enter the police station there may be people around or near the main desk. It is important to remember that the conversation may not be private. Police will request for your ID or any other identification. 
• Due to officer availability shortages you may experience long wait times. It can be helpful to bring a support person with you. 
• If you are worried about recognizing people it may be helpful to wear a medical mask to cover your face and or a baseball cap.  
• You may call ahead to request a meeting with an officer specializing in sexualized crimes.

By calling your local police department’s phone number;

• You can also request to meet with a police officer at a location you chose in the community. 
• If available try to ask to schedule an appointment so you can avoid wait times and or the possibility of being recognized when you go to the police station. 
• You can also request for accommodations; such as a translator or support for physical or not physical disabilities you may experience.
• During the phone call be sure to request for the officer’s badge number and name.
• Definition: Making a complaint means reporting the sexual assault to Police. A complainant is what police, lawyers or the judge may refer to you as. 
• Example: “The Complainant in this case is alleging that…”

Some law enforcement departments now allow survivors of sexual assault to file reports online.

• To file a report online, survivors or a support person may file the report. Survivors must provide a valid email address.
• Survivors must have a valid email address that should be safe and not accessible by the individual that committed the assault.
• The survivor complainant must also have a contact address listed.
• Once a report has been filed, the survivor will receive confirmation stating, "Your online police report has been submitted".
• The survivor will receive a police report number.
• The survivor will be able to print a copy of their report for their records. 
• The survivor will be contacted by the appropriate law enforcement officer for further investigation.  

In some areas, there are units specifically focused on gender-based violence, which may offer:

• Specialized support: For survivors of sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence.
• Holistic approaches: Including advocacy and assistance with accessing various services.

To ensure that all survivors can fully participate in the process:

• Interpreters: Available for those who need assistance with language barriers.
• Accessibility services: For individuals with disabilities, ensuring accommodations are provided

Victim Services Units

• Many police services have dedicated Victim Services Units (VSUs) or Victim Assistance Programs that offer support to survivors throughout the investigation process. These services often provide:
• Emotional support and counseling: Offering psychological support and coping strategies.
• Practical assistance: Helping with safety planning, navigating the legal system, and accessing community resources.

Sexual Assault Support Workers

• Some police stations have sexual assault support workers or crisis counselors who can:
• Accompany survivors: Provide emotional support during interviews and investigations.
• Explain the process: Help survivors understand what to expect during the police interview and the investigation process.

• Police stations might have access to crisis intervention services that can:
• Offer immediate support: Provide access to mental health professionals who can offer immediate assistance.
• Coordinate with other services: Connect survivors with longer-term support resources, including counseling and therapy.

• Certain police services have specialized units for handling sexual assaults, such as:
• Sex Crimes Units: Officers in these units are trained to handle cases with sensitivity and care.
• Special Victims Units: Focus on providing a more supportive approach during investigations.

These programs may offer:

• Guidance and support: Help survivors understand the legal process and what to expect in court.
• Emotional support: Provide ongoing support throughout the legal process.

To ensure that all survivors can fully participate in the process:

• Interpreters: Available for those who need assistance with language barriers.
• Accessibility services: For individuals with disabilities, ensuring accommodations are provided

In some areas, there are units specifically focused on gender-based violence, which may offer:

• Specialized support: For survivors of sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence.
• Holistic approaches: Including advocacy and assistance with accessing various services.