The choice is always yours
You choose what happens next. This includes whether to report to police, have a forensic examination, and whether any forensic evidence is analysed or stored.
We'll provide information and support, but the decision is always yours - and you can change your mind at any time.
Your options
After a sexual assault, you have several reporting options.
You can report the sexual assault to police.
This usually includes a forensic medical examination where evidence is collected and analysed as part of a police investigation.
You will be supported by the Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) throughout this process. A forensic medical examination is available for sexual assaults that occurred within the past 7 days.
You can choose to have evidence collected and stored, even if you are not ready to speak to police.
This option preserves potential forensic evidence and gives you time to decide whether you would like police involvement later.
You can provide information anonymously through the Queensland Police Service Alternative Reporting Option (ARO).
No police action will be taken, but the information may help police identify offenders and reduce repeat offending.
You may choose not to report the sexual assault.
You can still receive medical care, counselling, and support services.
Whatever decision you make, you will always be provided with the necessary medical care as well as referrals to counselling and support services.
After a sexual assault, it can be hard to know what to do next.
If you'd like to talk, our Sexual Assault Support Service team can help you understand your reporting and support options in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment.
What is a forensic medical examination?
A forensic medical examination is completed by specially trained doctors, nurses or midwives.
They will ask questions to understand what happened and explain your options.
With your consent, they will:
- assess and document injuries
- complete a physical examination
- swab areas of your body to collect evidence using a Forensic Medical Examination Kit.
The examination is conducted sensitively and securely. Evidence can be used now (‘collect and analyse’) or stored (‘collect and store’) for possible future police involvement.
The choice is yours.
With this option:
- forensic samples are collected using a Forensic Medical Examination Kit
- samples are handed over to police who transport them to the lab for analysis
- the results may be used in a police investigation, which involves police interviewing the victim and obtaining a statement.
You may not feel ready to make a police complaint immediately, and that’s okay.
The collect and store option allows forensic evidence to be collected and stored while you consider your options.
With this option:
- police are not involved at the time of the examination
- forensic samples are collected using a Forensic Medical Examination Kit
- samples are stored at the Forensic Science Queensland laboratory
- samples will be stored and left untested for up to 24 months
- for people under 18 years of age, samples are stored until 24 months after they turn 18
- you can choose to make a formal complaint to Queensland Police at any time during the storage period
- once you make the complaint, the samples in storage will be tested and used in the police investigation.
Things to know about forensic medical examinations
- A forensic medical examination is best completed as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours, as forensic evidence can degrade over time.
- You may be asked to provide clothing or underwear worn during or soon after the assault, as these items may contain evidence.
- In certain cases, an examination may be possible up to 7 days after the assault.
- Forensic examinations are confidential, and records from the examination are not stored in your medical record, so they cannot be viewed by other hospital staff during routine appointments.
- Delaying police involvement can mean that other types of evidence that could be collected during an investigation may be lost, which may impact the future success of any complaint.
- You can discuss your options with the SASS team before deciding what to do.
Support after sexual assault
Seeking support can be an important part of your recovery.
SASS provides free and confidential counselling for people aged 14 years and over who have been affected by sexual violence within the past 2 years.
Read about our counselling services.
How to get help
View contact details for the Sexual Assault Support Service.
Contacting police
You can make a formal complaint to police by contacting PoliceLink on 131 444 or by attending your local police station. More information about police reporting options can be found on the QPS website.
In an emergency
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent assistance, call Triple Zero (000).
NSQHS Standard 2: Partnering with Consumers
This resource was reviewed by Darling Downs Health consumers to help ensure it meets the needs of our communities. Interested in joining the publication review group? Find out more about joining a committee or group.
Was this information helpful?
Your feedback helps us make information more useful and easier to understand. Complete the feedback form to share your thoughts.