When you go to the hospital, bring a complete set of clothing with you because the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault will probably be collected as evidence. Special Concerns About Reporting Sexual assault victims may be reluctant to make police reports for a variety of reasons. Many victims fear retaliation by their assailants. Victims also often feel ashamed and embarrassed and do not want anyone to know about their assault. Some have concerns about how they will be treated by the police, or feel that nothing will be done because they have delayed their decision to report the crime.
Many victims are uncertain about whether they want to participate in a court trial.
In many communities, police departments and district attorney's offices provide special training for their personnel in how to treat sexual assault victims. Most states have enacted laws that protect victims from answering questions in court about their past sexual history. Other laws help to ensure that the names, home addresses and telephone numbers of victims do not become public if victims request confidentiality. One of these support persons can accompany you to the witness stand and during your testimony. Many sexual assault victims do not report the offense immediately.