What is the Best Way to Report Sexual Abuse and Ensure I Am Believed?
Statistics tell us that approximately 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before they reach age 18. You are believed.
There are many avenues for reporting child sexual abuse confidentially. Let’s take a look at how to report sexual abuse while ensuring that your privacy and safety can be protected.
There are many avenues for confidentially reporting child sexual abuse. You have options, and you can choose the path that feels safest for you. Below are ways to report sexual abuse while helping protect your privacy and safety.
How to Report Sexual Abuse Safely and Confidentially
What are the Ways That I Can Report Sexual Abuse?
There are many ways to safely and confidentially report abuse:
- If you see abuse happening or a child comes to you in crisis, call 911.
- If you suspect child sexual abuse, you can call ChildHelp: The National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child. They have trained counselors answering phones 24/7 to guide you through the process of reporting.
- If you were sexually abused recently, you should call and report the assault to the police.
- You can also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at RAINN, the Rape and Incest National Network, at 1-800-656-4673. They will refer you to your local rape crisis center.
- If your abuse happened a long time ago, or you are not sure to whom to talk, contact a licensed therapist or an attorney who is experienced in representing survivors of child sexual abuse. They can offer you guidance and help determine the best options for you. If the predator is still a threat to children, you can also contact the police where the crime occurred and file a report.
Anonymous and Confidential Reporting Options
Is There a Way to Report Sexual Abuse Anonymously?
Yes. Survivors can report sexual abuse or speak about their experiences without revealing their identity.
If you suspect child sexual abuse, you can call ChildHelp: The National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child. They have trained counselors available 24 hours a day.
You can also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at RAINN at 1-800-656-4673. They will connect you with your local rape crisis center.
Most importantly, you can call us at Jeff Anderson & Associates. All. Calls to our offices and to therapists are protected and completely confidential. You can call us at 1-800-ITS-TIME or send us a message today.
Reporting Sexual Abuse to the Church or Other Institutions
I Have Already Reported Sexual Abuse to the Church, and They Said I Am the Only Victim. Should I Go Back to Them?
Many dioceses have confidential reporting lines for survivors of sexual abuse. However, there have been instances in the past where these lines were answered by attorneys hired to represent the church, or priests, instead of trained, independent counselors.
We always suggest talking to a lawyer, law enforcement, or a therapist first to ensure that your rights and safety are protected.
Predators seldom, if ever, have only one victim.
If you have experienced sexual abuse as a child, contact us confidentially today.
What Happens When You Report Sexual Abuse to the Police
What Should I Do if the Police Will Not Take My Report?
The attitudes of law enforcement have changed dramatically when it comes to child sexual abuse. However, there may still be reasons they cannot or will not take a report.
If the perpetrator is dead, police may not be able to pursue an investigation. Police may also decline reports if the abuse occurred outside their jurisdiction.
If the police will not take a report, you can still speak with an experienced child sexual abuse attorney or therapist who may help you identify other ways to report and seek accountability.
If the alleged perpetrator is still alive, some survivors choose to report to law enforcement when pursuing a claim. That decision is completely up to you.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Report Sexual Abuse
Can a Lawyer Help Me File a Sexual Abuse Report?
Yes. A lawyer can help you report the sexual abuse you endured to law enforcement.
An experienced child sexual abuse attorney can help make the process easier by setting appointments, attending with you, and providing any additional materials the police may request.
How Do I Report Sexual Abuse if the Parish Where I Was Abused No Longer Exists?
It does not matter if the parish where your abuse occurred is still in existence. Reporting the crime is still important.
If you feel ready, you can call the police in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.
Suppose you decide to move forward with a lawsuit. In that case, you can help expose predators and complicit authority figures at the parish who may have moved elsewhere and may still be engaging in activities that put kids in danger. Perpetrators’ movement to other parishes or church organizations is one of the ways Catholic institutions concealed abuse and protected perpetrators.
You can also talk to a therapist who can give you guidance about the reporting process.
You can also call the national hotlines that help survivors of child sexual abuse and assault. ChildHelp: The National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child has trained counselors answering the phones 24/7 to guide you through the process of reporting. They also take calls from survivors.
You can also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at RAINN, the Rape and Incest National Network, at 1-800-656-4673. They will refer you to your local rape crisis center and aid you in reporting.
If you were sexually abused by a priest, counselor, teacher, coach, or other trusted adult, you still have rights. We want to help you. Contact us confidentially today.
Reporting Sexual Abuse When the Perpetrator Is Dead
How Do I Report My Abuse If My Perpetrator is Dead?
Although the perpetrator who abused you is dead, your pain is real. You as a survivor, still have the opportunity to report your abuser to law enforcement, a loved one, a therapist, or an attorney. By exposing the perpetrator, your courageous power can influence other survivors to come forward and realize that they are not alone.
If you decide to work with an experienced child sexual abuse attorney, they can assist you with reporting your abuse. If you decide to move forward with a lawsuit, you can help expose other potential child abusers or complicit authority figures, who may have moved on elsewhere and may still be engaging in activities that put kids in danger.
You can file a lawsuit against the organization that covered up the crimes of sexual predators even if the predator is dead.
To report, you can also talk to a therapist.
The process of reporting child sexual abuse by someone who is now deceased can be difficult. The National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child has trained counselors answering the phones 24/7 to guide you through the process of reporting. They also take calls from survivors.
You can also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at RAINN, the Rape and Incest National Network at 1-800-656-4673.
FAQs on Reporting Sexual Abuse
How do I report sexual abuse if I am not ready to go to the police?
You can speak with a therapist, an attorney, or contact confidential hotlines like ChildHelp or RAINN. These options allow you to talk through what happened and understand your options before deciding whether to involve law enforcement.
Can I report sexual abuse that happened a long time ago?
Yes. Survivors can report sexual abuse even if it occurred years ago. Reporting can still help expose patterns of abuse and protect others.
Is reporting sexual abuse confidential?
Yes. Calls to hotlines, therapists, and attorneys are confidential. Some reporting options also allow you to remain anonymous.
Can a lawyer help me report sexual assault?
Yes. An attorney can help you prepare to report, communicate with law enforcement, and support you throughout the process.