About Reporting

Deciding whether to report is deeply personal. There is no right or wrong choice—only what feels safest and most supportive for you.

Should You Report to Law Enforcement?

Some survivors say reporting helped them regain a sense of control and begin healing. Others describe feeling overwhelmed or retraumatized by interactions with the criminal justice system. Both experiences are valid. Whether you've already reported or are still deciding, learning about your options and what the process can look like may help you feel more informed and empowered.

You may also speak with a victim advocate or hotline before reporting to ask questions and explore your options without obligation.

How to Report Gender-Based Violence

If you choose to report, there are several ways to do so.

Call 911

If you are in immediate danger.

Contact your local police department

In person or by phone.

Visit a hospital or clinic

Tell a healthcare professional you would like to report the crime.

Understanding the Reality of Reporting

Reporting rates for gender-based violence remain low, and the legal process can be challenging.

Out of every 1,000 sexual assaults in the United States:

310

Hover or tap on statistics to view citations.

These statistics can feel discouraging—and it's completely understandable to question whether reporting is "worth it." However, reporting can still have meaningful impacts, even if a case does not result in arrest or conviction.

Why Some Survivors Choose to Report

Survivors report for many reasons. You are never obligated to report for any of these reasons—they are options, not expectations.

Awareness

Filing a report can alert law enforcement to patterns of abuse or the presence of a dangerous individual in the community.

Evidence & Forensics

In some jurisdictions, a police report is required before forensic evidence can be tested or entered into national databases.

Accountability Over Time

Many perpetrators commit repeated acts of violence. Your report may strengthen future investigations, even if no immediate action is taken.

Personal Closure

For some survivors, reporting can be an important step in reclaiming agency and validating their experience.

What to Expect If You Report

Knowing what may happen can help you feel more prepared and in control.

Interviews should take place in a private setting. You can ask to move if you feel uncomfortable with the location or people present.

Initial reports can take hours, with follow-up interviews potentially occurring over weeks or months. This is normal and does not indicate anything about your case.

You may ask for water, food, or time to pause at any point during interviews. Your comfort matters.

If you feel dismissed or uncomfortable, you can ask to speak with a supervisor or request a different officer.

Officers ask detailed questions to understand what happened, but you may answer in your own words and at your own pace.

This is often to clarify details and build a complete picture—not because you aren't believed.

You may bring a trusted person or request a victim advocate. Keep in mind that someone present during interviews may be called as a witness later.

What Is Included in a Police Report

A police report typically includes:

A case number for tracking
A written narrative based on interviews and evidence
What you experienced using your own words
Indicators of force, threats, or fear responses
How consent was withheld or not possible
Impacts on your daily life, health, or well-being

You are not expected to remember everything immediately. Trauma affects memory, and that is recognized by trained investigators.

You Are In Control

Reporting is your choice—not a requirement for receiving support. Whether you decide to report now, later, or never, The Gender Violence Project is here to help connect you with resources, advocates, and information so you can make the decision that is right for you.

Contact the GVP View Resources