First steps:

• *If you would like support and information specific to your situation around reporting to police, contact us at 604 872 8212
• Unless you are in immediate danger (in which case you should call 911), you can call the non-emergency line of the police of the area you live or where the attack happened in to make a report.
• First you will talk to the dispatcher, and they will ask you a few questions about what happened. If you prefer to give your statement in another language, tell the dispatcher you need an interpreter. (If you would like support with this, please call 604 872 8212)
• After you talk to the dispatcher, an officer will call you back in the next few days to set up a time for a statement – this could be at your place or at the police station.

Our suggestions:

We strongly encourage you to contact us at 604 872 8212 or another local women’s organization that offers information and advocacy around the police. We can talk to you about what to expect and answer any questions you have about the legal process. In most cases we can attend the police statement with you to support you, but if not, we will refer you to another organization that can.

Your statement to police is a very important part of the case and it’s best to be prepared. It is normal for memory to be affected around traumatic experiences and to have some memory gaps. To be able to organize your thoughts and memories, we recommend writing down a chronological timeline of the incident. For additional information about writing a statement, call us at 604 872 8212. We know revisiting the memory can be distressing, so please reach out to us if you would like emotional support.

If you have injuries, it is best to visit a hospital for medical care, and to go while the injuries are still visible and can be recorded as evidence. The police may also ask to take photos of your injuries. If you plan to get a rape kit, the forensic exam must be completed within 7 days. We encourage you to have someone support you through all of this, whether it’s a friend or family member, or an advocate, like us.

What happens after I report to police?

• After taking your initial statement, the police may ask you to come in for another statement (an audio video statement) at the police station.
• The police will begin their investigation, which can take +1 year to complete. They may reach out to you while they collect evidence.
• After completing their investigation, the police will decide whether they recommend charges, and contact the crown prosecutor and send the information they’ve gathered. The crown prosecution office will then decide whether they approve charges and move forward with trial.

For more detailed information about the criminal legal process and support, call us at 604 872 8212