AN EXAMPLE OF THE REPORTING PROCESS
Each city may handle the interview slightly differently, but the above video should give you an idea regarding the basics of reporting an incident of sexual assault to the police.
PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THE INTERVIEW
Getting yourself Ready to Report
FIND OUT WHERE TO REPORT
Where you live and where the assault took place will change who you report to. If the assault took place in Reno, you can contact the Reno Police Department. If the assault took place in Sparks, you can contact the Sparks Police Department. If the assault took place somewhere else in Washoe County, you can contact the Washeo County Sheriff's office. For more information on who to report to, click here.
THINK ABOUT INTERVIEWER MATCHING
Sometimes it can help to have an interviewer who is similar to you based on gender or race/ethnicity. While this is not always possible, it can be helpful to think about this ahead of time and ask if matching with the interviewer is possible
ASK TO SPEAK TO A VICTIM'S ADVOCATE
The Victim's Advocate is an invaluable source of information and support during a sexual assault report. Click here for more information on their program and how to get into direct contact with them.
DECIDE IF LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED
If English is not your first language, feel free to request a translator when making a report. It is important that your experience be clearly communicated to the investigator so they can fully understand what happened and how they can best help you.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
As part of the preparation for reporting a sexual assault, it is important to also know that you have certain rights by law in the state of Nevada. These rights can protect you and help you get access to the guidance and support you need as you move through the reporting process.
You have the right to know the status of the case in which you are involvedI
You have the right to be free from intimidation
You have the right to understand the existing victim compensation laws and to receive compensation if applicable
You have the right to a secure waiting area during any trial you are involved in, one that is not available to the perpetrator or his/her family
If a case results in conviction, you have a right to be heard at sentencing
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You have a right to know when the perpetrator is released from custody before or during a trial (upon written request).
You have a right to know when the perpetrator is released from prison (upon written request)
LEARNING MORE ABOUT REPORTING
The reporting process can be confusing and difficult to understand. It is important that you know as much as you can about the process so you can make well informed decisions on how to process. Click the button below for more detailed information on Reporting and the Criminal Justice System, including what to expect in a trial, how to talk with law enforcement, and what is involved in a sexual assault forensic exam.