Reporting The Crime

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Reporting a sexual crime is an important consideration to make.

The role of law enforcement is multi-faceted. One of the expectations of officers is to solve reported crime by apprehending and arresting the suspect. Rape is a crime.

If you choose to report the rape, law enforcement will encourage you to have an evidentiary exam. This is the collection of any evidence available for use by the Prosecution should the rape proceed to trial. The exam includes the collection of clothing, semen, blood, and hair which will be packaged and labeled according to strict evidence procedures.

An evidentiary exam must be done within 120 hours of the assault in order to be introduced as evidence. While you may be encouraged by victim advocates, law enforcement, and medical personnel to have an evidentiary exam, the decision to do so is entirely up to you.

This process may seem overwhelming to you while you are in crisis. ACT is there for you and will accompany you to the evidentiary exam, explain the procedures and remain with you throughout the exam, at your request.  This services is offered to both male and female victims.

ACT, also, offers other services to both male and female victims.  This includes 24-hour helpline, individual and group counseling and therapy.  All services are free of charge.

You can call our 24-Hour helpline in Lee County at 239-939-3112.  For Hendry and Glades Counties you can call the toll-free number at 1-888-956-7273 and it will connect you to our helpline.

Additionally, we offer services to family and friends to assist them in better understanding the dynamics of sexual violence.