Reporting the crime
What happens?
If you have been a recent victim of sexual violence, or are feeling unsafe, call 111 and ask for police.
If the crime happened some time ago, even years ago, you can still report it. There is no time limit on when you can report a crime of sexual violence to the police. If you decide to report a crime that happened in the past, call your local police station and ask to speak to a detective.
The first priority for the police is to make sure you are safe. Once you have reported the crime you will be assigned a police officer in charge of your case. You can contact them at any time to find out what is happening.
Police will also call a specialist crisis response agency who will talk to you about what happens, and offer to support you throughout the process. Specialist crisis response agency workers are specially trained to support victims of sexual violence and can work with a victim throughout the police and court process and can also offer, or provide referral to, personal and emotional support.
What support can you get?
Personal support
You can have a support person with you when you report a crime, and at any time in the investigation and court process. You can bring a friend, family or whānau member and a specialist crisis response agency can arrange a support worker to be with you of if you wish. Call the Victims of Crime Information Line on 0800 650 654 to find out about agencies in your area, or call Victim Support on 0800 VICTIM (842 846).
These agencies can also help you find emotional and practical support to deal with the impact of the crime.
