How do I report rape?

Go to the nearest police station and tell the person at the front desk that you want to report a case of rape. You can take someone with you that you trust if you want to.

Step 1

Go to the nearest police station and tell the person at the front desk that you want to report a case of rape. You can take someone with you that you trust if you want to.

Step 2

You should be taken to a private room where a volunteer will be available to support you and explain the procedures. A policewoman (or policeman, if there are no female officers available) will take a statement of what happened in your own words. The police will open a docket and investigate the crime.

Step 3

You will be sent for a forensic medical examination at the nearest health facility (the police should take you there). A doctor will examine you in detail and may take blood, hair and other samples for DNA analysis. You may also be offered medical treatment, after which you may go home.

Step 4

The perpetrator will be arrested. If you live together in the same house, he will not be granted bail and will remain in prison until the end of the trial.

Step 5

The docket will be sent to court and the prosecutor will decide whether or not to prosecute – maybe the case is not strong enough or there is not enough evidence.

Step 6

If there is enough evidence, a date for the trial will be set. The prosecutor will discuss the case with you and any other witnesses beforehand.

Step 7

You will have to testify against the rapist in court where he will be present as the accused. His defence attorney will also ask you questions about what happened.

Step 8

If the rapist is found guilty, he will be sentenced to at least ten years in jail.

Step 9

If you don’t want to report the rape, it is still important to get medication to prevent HIV within 72 hours.

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