Last week I went to my local rape and sexual abuse support service and I anonymously reported my rape. I live in the UK and anyone here has the option to report their rape or assault this way.
I had phoned the service a few weeks previously to say I would like to anonymously report and had been booked in to see an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). During the initial meeting the ISVA explained the process to me and then we arranged a date for me to go in and give her my statement.
The police need to know as much information as you can for the following: who (name, any nicknames, address, date of birth, physical description), what (what exactly happened, be as precise as possible – what words did they say to you, what exactly did they do), where (address/location), why (this includes any vulnerabilities the offender may have used to target you including alcohol/drugs – this does not mean that you are to blame in any way but it may be how the perpetrator operates) and when (date and time of the offence (s) if possible.
The ISVA was incredibly professional and supportive, she explained things clearly and made sure I was understood and was happy with the process and what would happen with my information.
I was raped 12 years ago. I didn’t report at the time for various reasons. I chose to anonymously report now after bumping into an old friend in a supermarket who told me that the perpetrator had raped again recently and the police did not have enough evidence to take the case further.
I hope something in my statement will corroborate his previous victim or maybe his next victim. Perhaps something he said or did will be the same. I hope it at least leaves him on their radar.
My ISVA told me the police may well contact her and ask for my details. She will refuse. The police are not able to make her tell them. I asked if she would let me know because if it could help someone else in a trial I would try and be braver and report. She said she will keep me informed of any contact with the police.
For those who feel they do not need the support of an ISVA or who don’t want to see anyone at all it is possible to anonymously report online. You can find the form here https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/generic-form?confnonurgent=true&crimetypes=Rape%20and%20sexual%20offences&appealID=
It might help to write it all out first and then give your self a few days before filling in the online form so that you don’t forget to include anything.
I found anonymously reporting to be a positive experience, I do not blame myself for the perpetrators later rape (s?), Rapists rape. Twelve years ago I felt my case would not have enough evidence. Maybe now my information could help support someone else.
youcantellme.org 