How To Make A Formal Report

If you choose make a report to law enforcement, we recommend that you contact GaDuGi. Our volunteer advocates operate independently of law enforcement and prosecutors. We can be present during a police interview if you would like. A GaDuGi advocate will support you and stand by you throughout the process.

The best time to make a report (from a legal standpoint) is as soon after the assault as possible. The evidence is less likely to be contaminated and the "trail" of the perpetrator is easier to follow. However, if several days or weeks have passed since the assault, it may still be possible to make a formal report

If you are not certain of something, say so. If you do not know the exact answer to a question, describe it as accurately as you can. The officer's job is to make a detailed, complete report outlining the facts as you remember them. It is okay to say, "I don't remember."

If you were drinking or taking drugs prior to the assault, it is important to inform law enforcement. They are not there to judge you, and the information might be important to a legal case. In Kansas, having sex with a person who is incapacitated by drugs or alcohol is rape.

If the perpetrator was a stranger, try to provide a detailed description. This includes anything you can remember about eye color, hair, height weight, scars, tattoos, facial hair, or other identifying characteristics. A description of his voice or of peculiar body odor can help police find the perpetrator. You are an identifying witness, and every piece of information is crucial.

If you would prefer to talk to an officer of the same gender, please ask. It is sometimes possible to request a specific gender, and the police will do what is possible to make the interview easier.

Be sure to ask for the officer's business card. She or he can write down the "case number" on the card so you can call later to ask questions about the case.

Many survivors find that they remember other details later, which they did not include in the initial report. For your own benefit, consider writing down everything you can remember. Later, if you remember some additional details, you can contact the officer or detective and let them know. It is not uncommon to remember important events days or weeks after an assault.

If you have concerns about the way you were treated by a particular officer, please contact GaDuGi as soon as possible. Most officers treat victims of sexual assault with respect and sensitivity. If you have a problem with a Lawrence Police Officer, you may call the Detective Commander at 832-7530. The Detective Commander will meet with you personally to discuss your concerns.

Give yourself permission to take care of your needs, ask questions, and express your feelings. The process of reporting can be exhausting.

Anonymous Report

If, after weighing the advantages and disadvantages, you choose not to make a report to police, you may be interested in completing an anonymous sexual assault form. Not all law enforcement agencies accept anonymous reports. The Lawrence Police Department does accept these reports. Call us for more information.

The anonymous form allows you to provide information to police without being identified. The form will be used by the police department to keep track of statistics and patterns of sexual assault, but will NOT initiate any kind of investigation. A GaDuGi volunteer advocate can assist you in completing the form. If you change your mind after filing an anonymous report, you can still make a formal report to law enforcement at a later time.

Even if you choose not to report, we recommend that you seek medical attention and supportive person to help you through the emotional aftermath of the incident.