The police investigation

What do the police do after I report what happened?

What details will help the police?

What is a forensic examination?

What is evidence?

What is a formal statement?

After you have initially told police what happened, you will be asked to make a statement to record your version of what happened. 

This will usually be in the form of a typewritten statement or sometimes can be video recorded. If you need a translator or an interpreter (including people who are hearing impaired), this will be arranged. 

This can be emotionally difficult, but you can take breaks whenever you need and you can stop at any time. 

Can I have someone with me for support?

You are welcome to bring a friend, family member or support person to be with you when you talk to police.

If that person is a witness to the assault, they may be excluded from this process and we may need to take a statement from them.

What happens if I'm a witness?

A 'victim' can also be referred to as a 'witness’. A witness may be required to provide a formal statement to the police. This can be in the form of a signed written statement or may be video recorded at a police station. The police officer taking your statement should explain this process more thoroughly at the time. 

There is always a chance a witness might have to go to court. This doesn't occur for every matter that goes to court. There are protection measures in place for witnesses. Your personal details such as your home address and contact numbers should never be provided to the offender. If the offender is known to you personally, police may ask for bail conditions to be placed on the offender to ensure your safety.

We will advise you of the progress of the police investigation (unless this may jeopardise the investigation) and of court processes, including the hearing dates.

What happens if I have to go to court?

On some occasions if the offender pleads guilty you won’t be required to give evidence in court. 

For the majority of sexual assault and rape matters that go before the court, a victim and witnesses are required to give evidence.  Everything said in court is evidence and must be true and relevant to the case.  

The police officer who took your statement should explain this process more thoroughly at the time.  The officer should tell you if the matter is going to court and if you will be required to attend. 

A victim may be referred to as a ‘witness’.  There is always a chance a witness may have to go to court and given evidence. 

Applications can be made to the court for protection measures to be put in place for victims of sexual violence.  Options available for witnesses.