Should a survivor of sexual assault report the assault to the police immediately?

There is no legal obligation that requires a sexual assault survivor to report the incident to the police immediately; the decision to report is a strictly personal one that rests solely with the survivor to make when they feel ready and safe. The top priority after any assault experience is to ensure the survivor's physical and psychological safety and to access necessary medical care, regardless of the pressure to report immediately [1].

Prioritizing Health and Psychological Care

After the assault occurs, the survivor may feel confused or traumatized, which is completely normal. Before considering legal steps, it is advised to focus on health aspects:

• Personal Safety: Ensure you are away from the danger zone or the perpetrator and reach a safe place as quickly as possible. If you are in imminent danger, call emergency services immediately for direct assistance [1].
• Medical Examination: Even if there are no visible injuries, it is strongly recommended to receive medical care to evaluate any internal injuries, the potential for pregnancy, or the risk of sexually transmitted infections [1].
• Psychological Effects: Symptoms such as severe anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may emerge as a result of the trauma [1]. Obtaining support from mental health professionals or specialized centers can help mitigate long-term psychological effects [1].

Why Might Some Delay Reporting?

It is important to realize that many survivors are hesitant to report assaults, which is understandable and documented in studies. Reasons behind this often include feelings of shame or embarrassment, fear of not being believed by authorities or those around them, or threats that the perpetrator may make against the survivor [2]. These emotional and social barriers make the decision to report a complex process that the survivor should not rush into until they feel sufficiently safe and able to move forward [2].

Collecting Evidence and Documenting the Situation

If you are considering reporting the assault at a later time, medical documentation of the situation may be useful. Medical professionals can provide specialized care, and in many cases, they can assist in collecting forensic evidence in a safe medical environment, even if you have not made a final decision to report to the police at that time [1]. A survivor can obtain more information about this support through Support for Sexual Assault Survivors in Jordan (Arabic).

When to Seek Urgent Help

You must go immediately to the nearest emergency center if you are suffering from:

• Visible physical injuries or continuous bleeding.
• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain.
• A state of psychological breakdown or thoughts of self-harm.

Always remember that an assault is an act committed by the perpetrator, and the responsibility for this act never lies with the survivor. Seeking support—whether medical, legal, or psychological—is a step toward recovery and can be taken at your own pace and according to your personal circumstances [1].

Medical references

• Sexual Assault
• About Sexual Violence