Reporting Sexual Assault

If you are the victim of sexual assault, consider reporting the assault to your local police department. While there is no way to change what happened to you, you can seek justice and help stop it from happening to someone else. And you don’t have to do it alone; due to the sensitive nature of disclosing abuse, we have a Client Advocate available to answer your questions and accompany you so you don’t have to report alone.

Local law enforcement strives to create a safe community by working in a collaborative effort to increase victim safety and hold offenders accountable by working with community partners who are committed to reducing violence.

Reporting to the police is one of the keys to preventing sexual assault: every time we lock up a rapist, we’re preventing him or her from committing another attack. It’s one of the most effective tools that exists to prevent future rapes. In the end, whether or not to report to law enforcement is your decision to make. Here are some tools to help you make the decision that is right for you.

If you are 18 years old or older, you are the only one who can decide whether or not to make a report to law enforcement. If you are 17 years old and younger, a report will be made to the Department of Social/Human Services in the county where you reside. They will investigate the report to ensure your safety from the alleged offender.

Other Information

ASTOP offers a wealth of information on sexual assault and how it affects survivors and family members.

Some Major Myths About Sexual Violence
Debunking the myths surrounding sexual assault.

What’s in Your Drink?
Drug-facilitated rape is a reality. Learn how to best protect yourself.

Are You Willing to do the Time?
What you might consider love can, and has been, prosecuted under Wisconsin law as a crime.

Protective Behaviors
Teaching our children how to protect themselves and stay safe.

WI Sexual Assault Kit Initiative
About the Wisconsin Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.