Reporting cases is incredibly important, and there are many ways to do so, the most convenient being contacting local law enforcement or hotlines. Because of the nature of such cases, anybody can anonymously contact law enforcement through phones or forms, and reporting cases won’t be considered as filing lawsuits.
Hotlines
There are many hotlines where you can just talk about the situation. Especially when you’re not sure what to do, speaking to a professional, or even just speaking to somebody can always help. There are things such as local rape crisis centers, and the National Sexual Assault Hotline, which not only offers a professional to talk to but provides advice and counseling.
The same organization that offers the hotline (RAINN) offers an online chatting system.
Hotlines and Chatting Services
RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network):
online.rainn.org (online chatting system)
National Sexual Assault:
Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
24/7 via phone and online chat)
DOD (Department of Defense):
Safe Helpline for Sexual Assault:
Hotline: 1 (877) 995 – 5247
24/7 via phone and online chat
Childhelp National Child Abuse:
Hotline: 1 (800) 422 – 4453
24/7 via phone and text.
National Domestic Violence:
Hotline: 1 (800) 799 – 7233
24/7 via phone and online chat.
Love is Respect- National Teen Dating Abuse:
Hotline: 1 (866) 331 – 9474
Text: 22522
24/7 via phone, text, and online chat.
Reporting Legal Cases
Reporting cases, especially having to deal with it legally, can be difficult. Filing lawsuits can be a big step, and can be uncomfortable, but by doing so, victims can also hold their abusers accountable, and “help end the cycle of abuse.”
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse
Concrete evidence isn’t needed to contact local law enforcement, and depending on the evidence and suspicion, action should be taken. Since children are less likely to report sexual assault (fewer than 1/3), if you feel as though someone you know is experiencing sexual assault, don’t be afraid to report it, as it can help the child from future abuse.
You Can Always Report Cases!
Remember, reporting cases of abuse can be done at any time, even years after the event of abuse, and hotlines are always open. However, if you wanted to legally report a case, it could have a deadline, and that would depend based on the state and nature of the case.
