REPORTING RAPE TO THE POLICE
The Police service understands that reporting an offence of rape can be a difficult and traumatic experience for victims of rape and sexual assault. The role of the police is to investigate the crime reported and this necessitates certain actions but a victim focused approach is central to the police approach.
The first point of contact will be with a call taker in a police control room. The call takers have received specific training and guidance in relation to dealing with victims of rape and sexual assault. They will need to establish personal details and contact numbers and will immediately ask questions to establish whether you are safe. If you are in immediate danger or if the offender is still present, a police officer will be despatched immediately. In all cases, you should expect contact from a police officer within 60 minutes. The call taker will also ask for basic details about what has happened and is in a position to offer advice about steps that should be taken to preserve evidence until a police officer arrives.
The police officer that attends to see you should be specially trained in dealing with the initial response to victims of rape and sexual assault. The officer will ask questions to establish details such as where the offence took place, who the offender was or what he / she looked like and also questions about what took place. These questions are necessary in order for the police to quickly secure evidence and arrest the offender where possible. The officer will also use an Early Evidence Kit consisting of a mouth wash sample and a urine sample. This can be critical in securing forensic evidence.
Following these initial questions, the officer should transport you to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). SARC’s have been specially designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for other aspects of the police investigation such as medical examination by a trained doctor and a formal video interview. At the SARC, you will also be able to speak to a rape crisis support worker and receive emergency contraception, sexual health advice and referral to counselling and sexual health services. The Police understand how difficult this experience is and are happy for you to be accompanied by a friend or relative as long as that person is not a direct witness to the offence.
The investigation of the offence will be conducted by trained Detectives. An officer should be appointed as a point of contact for you. This officer should maintain regular contact with you throughout the investigation and should always make themselves available to see you if you wish to ask questions about the process. If you consent, they will also refer you to an Independent Sexual Violence Advocate or Adviser (ISVA) or to counselling / support services that can provide support to you throughout the criminal justice process.
The Police will liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who will decide whether charges can be brought against any suspects based on the evidence available. The Crown Prosecution Service need to be satisfied that there is a realistic prospect of conviction and that it is in the public interest to proceed. Clearly in rape cases, it will be in the public interest to proceed in virtually every case.
The Police and CPS would look to ensure you have support through to the trial. ‘Special Measures’ will be available at court for all victims of sexual assault so you will not be required to face the suspect in the witness box unless you feel able to. Other alternatives include evidence from behind a screen and evidence by live video link. The initial video interview conducted by the Police may also be used to give the main part of your evidence although the defence will always have the right to question you on your evidence during the trial.
An ISVA, Victim Support or Witness Care worker will be happy to attend court with you every day in order to support you through the process and the Police, CPS and Prosecution barrister should be available to answer your questions during the trial.
It is recognised that the criminal justice process needs to be supportive of victims as well as serving the interests of justice. The process is inevitably very difficult for victims of sexual offences but we hope the steps in place will support you throughout the process and result in the offender being convicted for the crime he/she has committed.
Cleveland Police: 01642 326326 www.cleveland.police.uk
Durham Police: 0345 60 60 365 www.durham.police.uk
Northumbria Police: 03456 043 043 www.northumbria.police.uk
IN AN EMERGENCY PHONE 999
