* I generally write using the pronouns he/him when referring to narcissists, but females are just as likely to be narcissists or exhibit narcissistic traits. So please don't think just because article uses the word him or he that it could not be a woman in that same role.
Whatever age you are and the time at which the abuse has occurred, it can be a very destructive form of abuse that takes many forms, which can lead to mental health problems associated with the trauma. In this article you will learn how to report sexual abuse.
You want to live your life without ever being put in a position where you feel vulnerable or scared for your position or life, as you shouldn’t feel as if you are the reason why any form of abuse has happened to you.
You might not be in the position to report it now, but there might be a time when you feel strong enough to do so, and you should be met with dignity and respect.
In this article, we’ll provide you with ways to report your abuse to the proper authorities in a way that is comfortable for you, so the amount of trauma suffered can be as minute as possible.
We’ll also provide services that can help you in your recovery and can help you to live the best life possible that you deserve.
How To Report Sexual Abuse
There are a few ways you can report any type of sexual abuse you have experienced, and these can be pursued in a way that means you keep your anonymity and are comfortable to an extent in what details you provide.
Some people might decide not to report their abuse because the abuse done upon them was prolonged to the extent that discussing the details might be too traumatic for them and can make any mental health problems even worse.
Below are some ways you can report the abuse in ways that you might be more comfortable with, so you can begin the process of seeing justice be done to the perpetrator.
Report It To Local Law Enforcement
One of the more direct ways to report this type of abuse you can either contact your local police department by phone or in person and in some cases, you might be able to make a report anonymously with something like an online form.
This can be a very effective way of reporting as sexual assault response teams can work with medical professionals, law enforcement, and sexual assault service providers in your area in order to organize an investigation.
As they collaborate with these services, they can have an effective investigation, minimize repetitive questioning, and make an arrest and prosecution easier.
Visit A Medical Center
Suppose you have injuries as a result of your abuse. In that case, you should seek medical treatment, and you can inform your medical professional that you’d like to report these injuries as part of a crime, and you can choose to have a sexual assault forensic exam.
These professionals have been trained to deal with instances such as this and can be discreet while giving you the dignity and respect that you deserve, and the evidence obtained can lead to an effective investigation.
You may not have any visible injuries, but having some sort of examination is vital in picking up any DNA evidence that cannot be seen, but only if you are comfortable with an exam should you proceed.
Contact A Sexual Abuse Hotline
This is an effective way to get tailored help for you so that you can connect with an advisor who can walk you through the steps you can take to get help and report the crime, and this can all be done at your own pace.
These advisors can also put you in contact with an officer who is trained to interact with and assist abuse survivors. In some cases, they will send someone from a local sexual assault service provider to accompany you through the process.
These people can answer any questions that you may have about any part of the process that you don’t understand and help you on your way to recovery.
Benefits Of Reporting Sexual Abuse
One benefit of reporting such a crime is to prevent other people from becoming a victim of the perpetrator, but this can be made more difficult if you know the perpetrator, but you have to remember that their actions are a crime that should be punished.
Another benefit is that you might be a victim of ongoing abuse, so reporting it can help break this cycle and assist you and other potential victims recover in the long term.
It can also help in cases where long-term physical and mental injuries have occurred and where the victim may receive financial compensation, which might not be helpful but can help cover legal and medical costs.
Can I Report Sexual Abuse On Behalf Of Someone?
You can, and it can help the victim not have to suffer any unnecessary trauma, but some legal advisors or attorneys may wish to speak with the victim to get more information about the crime committed, so consider this when reporting on behalf of someone.
You should also be aware that attorneys may not help you if the victim chooses not to pursue their case, so your insistence will be ignored.
Suppose you’re reporting the crime on behalf of a child. In that case, you have to have reasonable suspicion that the abuse is happening, and providing as much information as you can will go a long way to help progress the investigation.
Conclusion
If you are a victim or suspect someone has been a victim of sexual abuse, you should prioritize seeking help to make your recovery easier, and this can apply regardless of the amount of time that has passed since the abuse has taken place.
You should beware that some instances can lead to injuries and should be reported if you believe your or someone’s life is at risk.