Our advocates can serve as a confidential resource to review your options in the legal processes before reporting. You do not need to have already reported to the police in order to work with an advocate.
If you choose to report to the police, in most cases, you have a say in how far the investigation process goes. The criminal investigation process typically consists of these steps:
- Providing an initial report to an officer;
- Meeting with a trained sexual assault investigator to complete a detailed statement and learn about the investigation process;
- An investigation is completed;
- The investigator sends the investigation report to the District Attorney’s office for review and to determine if charges will be brought;
- The DA’s office will likely meet with you to discuss next steps.
The process can be quite lengthy, and the advocate can support you throughout each stage, as well as answer any questions you have along the way.
Advocates can also assist you in applying for a 209a Abuse Prevention Order or a 258e Harassment Prevention Order (similar to restraining orders) at the courthouse, as well as answer any questions about the process.