Many victims of sexual assault never seek medical or mental health services because of the fear that they will have to report to law enforcement. This is untrue. There are many options available to survivors that do not require them to speak to law enforcement.
The only time hospitals must inform law enforcement about a patient is when there has been a gun shot wound, stabbing, or dog bite. If you are undecided about reporting the assault or even if you know you do not want to report, you can still have an evidence collection kit done. In fact, having the kit allows you to file for government money to help pay for your medical visit. The hospital will hold your kit for 30 days, in which time you can decide if you want to report. However, if 40 days pass and the evidence is no longer available, it does not mean you cannot report the assault. You can report an assault at any time.
Mental health providers are also bound by laws of confidentiality and cannot share your information without your consent, except for when allowed by law. There are many private counselors available or Rape Counseling Service of Livingston County offers FREE short-term counseling and referrals.
If you would like to let law enforcement know about an assault without making an official report, you have the option to fill out a Proxy Report. This is a third person anonymous statement that survivors can complete with a rape crisis advocate. It contains important information about the assault and those involved. This information is then mailed to local law enforcement to inform them of the situation. NO arrest can be made from a proxy report and the survivor’s identity is kept strictly confidential at all times.
For more information, contact Rape Crisis Service of Livingston County at (585) 658-2370. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-527-1757 and a trained advocate will be paged. Services are free and confidential.