How to Make a Report

Seeking Medical Assistance

Medical assistance and options are available to survivors if you choose not to report to Law Enforcement. However, medical professionals are mandated reporters and are required by law to contact law enforcement regarding suspected sexual assault and domestic violence. However, once the police arrive, it is your choice whether you want to talk with them. Except in the case of domestic violence and child molestation, you always have the right to decide if you want to continue in the investigation and possible prosecution.

Seeking medical attention is important after an assault. It is important to be checked for STD’s and schedule additional follow-up testing. If you do not want to make any type of official report, please call our hotline to speak with an advocate about your options and referrals. If you were strangled, it is important that you seek medical attention. Damage to your throat may not seem critical at first, but this may be due to your adrenaline after the assault. 24 Hour Support Line: 805-736-7273

When you have made the decision to report

If you choose to make a report for an assault that has occurred within the last 5 days (120 hours) you have the option of having a medical-forensic exam to collect the physical evidence. This type of exam is referred to as a SART, which stands for Sexual Assault Response Team.

The team members include:

• An Advocate: The Center will provide a trained advocate to help answer any questions you may have as well as explain your rights and the process and procedures that will take place during the physical exam as well as any future interviews by law enforcement or the District Attorney. They are also there to provide comfort and grounding techniques. Advocates are confidential in the information or questions that you may share with them.
• SANE: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. This is a specially trained nurse that will be conducting an interview with you regarding the assault and collection of evidence from your body. You have the right to stop an exam at any time during this process. Your advocate will be able to explain this to you further.
• Law Enforcement: Law Enforcement will be conducting an interview with you regarding the details of the case. It is their job to collect evidence and conduct interviews. If needed, they will discuss with you a possible restraining order and what that process entails. Your advocate will also be able to explain this process to you. There may be follow-up interviews with a detective as the case progresses.
• District Attorney and Victim Witness: Once a case is investigated, it is generally referred to the District Attorney who will review the case where prosecution may take place. Victim Witness works for the D.A. and serves as an advocate to you for the attorney on your case. The victim witness advocate is not confidential and will share information with the attorney on your case.

Restricted Reporting Options

A Restricted Report is possibly available to survivors whose assault took place with the 5-day or 120-hour reporting window for physical evidence collection by the nurse examiner. Law Enforcement is not involved with this type of case in the aspect that they will not be conducting interviews or collecting any outside evidence. You do have the option, to change your mind and have law enforcement involved. Your Advocate can discuss this option with you to help you decide if this report is best for your circumstance.

Anonymous Reporting

If the reporting time for physical evidence collection has passed and you do not want law enforcement involved or be part of an investigation, this may be an option for you. This allows you to not engage with the criminal justice system but also allows you to document what happened to you. This report is done in the Center with a trained advocate and they will then turn this report over to the appropriate agency. When speaking with the advocate, they will discuss the process and questions you will be asked on the form that will be filed. 

North County Rape Crisis & Child Protection Center

Lompoc Office

511 E Ocean Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436

(805) 736-8535

Santa Maria Office

301 Miller St # 206, Santa Maria, CA 93454

(805) 922-2994

office@ncrccpc.org

Copyright 2020. North County Rape Crisis. All Rights Reserved.