Sexual assault FAQs

QPS understands that navigating sexual violence can be overwhelming and at times you may have questions regarding the police process and available support.

These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been designed to provide clear and comprehensive answers to commonly asked questions, centred on needs, safety, and wellbeing of victim-survivors.

Other information, including what happens after reporting the assault, the court process, and financial assistance, can be found in the online resources A victim’s pathway, produced by the Office of the Victims Commissioner.

If you have a specific question which you are unable to find information on here, please contact your local police station.

Can I still talk to police if…

I can’t remember all the details?

Yes. It can be common for people who experience sexual assault not to remember everything. If you want the police to investigate, it can be helpful to both you and us if you can write down any details you remember. Starting with the details you know will help our investigation. Police are trained to respond to people experiencing trauma, and we will ask questions to help you recall the events. Sometimes the questions may be challenging, but we do not ask you these to test or embarrass you – we just need to obtain the most amount of detail we can to help the investigation.

It happened a while ago?

Yes. It is common that people choose to report a while after the incident has happened. This could mean months, or even years since the assault occurred. These are called historical sexual assaults.

I’m not sure if I was sexually assaulted?

Yes. We know there are many misconceptions about sexual assault and it may be difficult to understand if what happened to you is defined as sexual assault. If you would like more information, please visit our What is sexual assault? page.

I said yes to begin with and then I said no but they didn’t stop?

Yes. You can withdraw consent at any time. It is important you feel safe, willing, and enthusiastic about each sexual act. Visit our page on consent for more information.

I have previously had consensual sex with this person before, but this time I didn’t want to?

Yes, this is defined as sexual assault. Under Queensland’s affirmative consent model, consent must be agreed to for every sexual act, regardless if you have done it before. To find out more, visit our page on consent.

I want to remain anonymous?

Yes, you can remain anonymous if you would like to tell police what happened to you. However, this can only be done by using our online ‘Alternative Reporting Option’, where the police will use the information you provide for intelligence purposes and will not investigate. If you would like police to investigate, visit our reporting page.

I don’t know the name or personal details of the person who did this to me?

Yes. You do not need all the details about the other person in order to make a report. As part of the police investigation, we will collect evidence and details which can help to locate the perpetrator.

I don’t have any visible injuries or I didn’t fight off the offender?

Yes. We understand that not everyone will have visible injuries and it can be common for people experiencing trauma to ‘freeze’. This does not mean that what happened to you is not sexual assault, or that the police cannot investigate it. Police will not judge you on however you reacted before, during, or after the incident.

I speak a language other than English?

Yes – we are here to support all victim-survivors, regardless of your cultural background. If you would like to speak with police, you can ask us to organise a translator for you. You can find more information on translators and interpreting services on our Multicultural Affairs page.

More FAQs

I was drunk or under the influence of drugs – will I be believed?

Yes – being intoxicated does not mean that what happened to you is not sexual assault. Police take every report of sexual assault seriously and will investigate the incident if you make a report. Support options are available and can be found on our support services page.

Do I need to report to police?

It is entirely your choice to report to police. You can still tell police what happened to you if you do not want the police to investigate by using our Alternative Reporting Option form. Please visit our reporting page for more information on reporting options. You can access support options whether you decide to report or not. Even if you report to police and change your mind later, that is okay and police can help you to withdraw the report if that is what you want.

What happens if I have showered or cleaned my clothes since the incident?

That is okay. Police often ask you to refrain from showering, eating, and washing your clothes immediately after an incident of sexual assault so we can collect forensic evidence samples from things like the clothes you were wearing during the incident, or from your body. However, forensic evidence is not necessary in an investigation. It can help to make a stronger case against the perpetrator, but do not worry if you have already done some of these things. You can learn more about forensic evidence by visiting our evidence page.

Will anyone find out that I have spoken to police?

Your report to police is confidential – we will not tell your friends or family. However, we may contact them for a statement if you previously told them what happened, or if they are a witness in the matter.

The perpetrator (if known) will be contacted by police if they have enough evidence and if you choose for the investigation to go ahead. We understand this may be someone you are in a relationship with. If you are worried about your personal safety, please contact us on 131 444 to obtain advice and assistance.

What if the person that did this to me is my partner or family member?

Sexual assault can happen to you if you are in a relationship with someone or you are related to them.

Being in a relationship with or married to someone does not mean you cannot be sexually assaulted. You can find more information on the Domestic and Family Violence page.

If the person who sexually assaulted you is a family member, know that it is not your fault and that support is available. You can find a service that you feel is right for you on our support services page.

Can I bring someone with me when I speak to police?

Yes – you can bring a support person with you whenever you need to speak with police. This may be a friend or family member, or perhaps a support worker from a service. For more information, you can visit our support services page.

If the person you decide to bring is a witness to the assault (this may include if you have spoken about the assault with them before speaking with police), police may need to speak with them about what happened, and they may need to provide a statement. We refer to this person as a preliminary witness. Unfortunately, this means that they cannot sit with you while you provide your statement but you can choose a different person to be with you. If you are not sure whether someone can be your support person, police can help you determine this.

I identify as LGBTQIA+ , will I be taken seriously by police? Can I access specific supports?

Yes – all reports of sexual assault are taken seriously by police. We understand that people who identify as LGBTQIA+ can face additional barriers to reporting sexual assault and seeking support, which is why Queensland Police Service has LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officers to assist you. Visit our support services page or LGBTQIA+ information page for more details.

I identify as a First Nations person, are there any culturally appropriate support options I can access?

Yes - the Queensland Police Service employs Police Liaison Officers whose role is to act as a cultural link between First Nations peoples and police. They can assist you with culturally specific questions you may have.

There are also tailored support services available to First Nations people – you can find out more by visiting our support services page.

What kind of evidence will the police need to investigate?

Police gather a range of evidence for sexual assault investigations. You can find more details about what evidence we may collect on our evidence page.

What will happen if I reported to police but have now changed my mind? Can I withdraw my complaint?

If you decide you no longer want the police to investigate, you can request to police at any time that charges are withdrawn. We understand it may be a difficult process, however supports are available. Find out more by visiting our support services page.

Is it mandatory for me to have a Forensic Medical Examination (FME)?

No. Having an FME conducted at the hospital is voluntary. You can find more information about FMEs on our Forensic Medical Examination page.

How long will the investigation take?

Each investigation is different in nature and can vary in length. This may depend on how much evidence needs to be collected or how long ago the incident occurred. Investigations can take weeks, months, or even years to complete. You can find out more information on this through our police investigations page.

Will I have to go to Court? Will I need to face the perpetrator in Court?

Not every report or police investigation leads to court proceedings. If it does however lead to a court proceeding, you may need to go to court to give evidence about what happened to you. The investigator in charge of your case will advise you of this and keep you updated throughout the process.

If you do go to court, there is a chance you may need to sit in the same room as the perpetrator. However, there are protective measures available that mean you can give evidence from a separate room. The investigator for your case can give you more information about this.

How can I access support?

It is important you feel supported throughout this process. There are services that exist locally and statewide who are available to assist you. There are a range of services available, including counselling, court support, and financial assistance. For more information, go to our support services’ page.