What do the police do after I report what happened?

Your safety and welfare is our first priority. Police investigations of rape and sexual assaults vary. Circumstances are never the same. 

It is likely your first contact will be with uniformed police who will seek information to help direct your complaint. 

Initial steps in an investigation

Initial steps when we start an investigation are to support victims and identify and gather evidence.  It is important we get a detailed idea of what happened as soon as possible.  Officers will most likely ask you questions such as:

• what happened? 
• when did it happen? 
• where did it happen? 
• do you know the offender?

Sometimes we will ask these questions more than once.  This is not because we don’t believe you; it is to make sure the information is accurate.

During the investigation

Offences of a sexual nature are generally conducted by investigators, usually plain clothes officers and detectives.  Many police are trained to understand sexual abuse and the impact that sexual violence has. 

In most cases the investigators that speak with you initially will remain the same, but sometimes this may change.

Investigators will ask you a series of questions relating to you, your actions and circumstances leading up to and after the assault.  Further information needed might be:

• the location
• the details of witnesses
• and the details of the offender.

Some questions may be of a very personal nature but we need to know information that could affect forensic evidence.  We understand that some questions can be very private and difficult to answer.  They aren't intended to embarrass or humiliate you.  Some topics that you might be asked, but are not limited to, are about your recent sexual activity, alcohol and drug usage.  This should not affect the way that we treat you.

You will be required to provide a statement to us  These may be in the form of a written statement or in special circumstances an electronically recorded version.

Follow-up investigations 

We may contact people who may have information (including before or after the assault) which may assist the investigation.

We may also need to:

• identify places of interest to the investigation including where the assault occurred
• collect evidence and take photographs
• conduct door knocks in an attempt to locate further witnesses
• seek CCTV footage, computers or mobile telephones (electronic evidence located may  be sent for examination and analysis
• preserve any other evidence which may include taking the clothes that you were wearing during the assault for examination
• ask if you would consent to a forensic medical examination and facilitate the same.

What will happen to the suspect or offender?

If the offender(s) are positively identified, we will attempt to ask them questions and ask if they would like to be interviewed. If they agree to being interviewed, we will talk to them about the allegations.

A suspect does not have to answer any questions or talk to us. They can refuse to be interviewed by police. 

If the Sufficiency of evidence test (PDF)  is satisfied, the offender may be arrested and be required to go to court to face charges. The sufficiency of evidence test determines  whether the evidence gathered supports the victim’s version to a required standard. 

The investigator will update you on how the investigation is going and guide you through the court process. Remember that during this process you have choices. Your decisions may potentially impact the strength of evidence able to be presented to the court.  Support is available to you during this process.