Reporting to Law Enforcement

 

Reporting to law enforcement is a very personal decision, and (if you are 18 or older) is entirely up to you.

Some survivors feel like reporting to law enforcement is important in their path to healing after experiencing violence. Some survivors do not want to engage the criminal justice system. You can make the decision that works best for you.

The information below can help clarify the process of reporting to law enforcement, and help you feel more prepared should you choose to report to law enforcement.
Your local, confidential advocates are also trained and prepared to help you navigate reporting to law enforcement, and can provide support to you throughout the entirety of that process. Learn more about confidential advocacy services here.


I want to report to law enforcement. How do I contact them?

Click on any of the options below to learn more about how to contact law enforcement if you have experienced harm.

  • If you are in immediate danger and feel safe having law enforcement come to your location, you can call 911. The emergency dispatch personnel you speak with can send law enforcement and EMT (emergency medical assistance) to your location.

  • To get in contact with local law enforcement, call the non-emergency line of your local police station, or visit the station in person.

    You can find your local law enforcement information under your school’s page by visiting our Find Help page.

    If you are on a college campus you may also be able to contact campus-based law enforcement, who can call law enforcement for you. In most instances, this will trigger a report to your school’s Title IX Coordinator as well.

  • If you are being treated for injuries resulting from sexual assault, tell a medical professional that you wish to report the crime. You can also choose to have a sexual assault forensic exam and be connected with an advocate.

    To learn more about your options in confidential medical care, visit our Medical Care page.

Is the information I share with law enforcement confidential?

No. Anything you share with employees of a law enforcement agency or prosecutor’s office (including detectives, dispatch services, patrol officers, district attorneys and victim assistance advocates at the district attorney’s office) is not confidential.

This is because the government has a duty to turn over “exculpatory evidence” to a defendant. Exculpatory evidence is information that could prove the defendant’s innocence.

If you would like to explore what reporting to law enforcement could look like with a confidential resource, contact your local or campus advocacy agency. Advocates can help you navigate reporting to law enforcement when you are ready. To find an advocate in your area, check out our Find Help page.


Is there a time limit on when I can report to law enforcement?

No. However, in many states, there is a limitation on when charges can be filed, and a case can be prosecuted. This is called the statute of limitations.

In Oregon, the statute of limitations for most assault and battery claims is 2 years after the date of the incident, however, there are some exceptions. Some examples of these exceptions are if the survivor is a child, and/or qualifies as a vulnerable person under the “Abuse of Vulnerable Persons Act”.

What if I have been intimate with the person who harmed me in the past?

Giving consent in the past does not mean that you give someone consent for any act in the future. If you did not consent, they acted against the law—and you can report it.


What if I was consuming alcohol or drugs when I was harmed?

No one deserves to experience sexual violence, and it is not your fault. Sometimes people are afraid of being disciplined, either by the law, their school, or by their caregivers (such as parents), because they were using drugs or alcohol when the abuse occurred.

It is important to remember that sexual assault is a crime—no matter the circumstances. Nothing you did caused this to happen.

Oregon has a Medical Amnesty Policy protects underage drinkers from being charged with a "Minor in Possession" (MIP) violation when they seek medical attention for themselves or others who might be suffering from alcohol poisoning. The law does not give immunity from other alcohol or drug offenses, and it does not override policies relating to college or university codes of conduct.