Sex Crimes Unit
Investigative Section-Sexual Assault Squad
How to report
If you decide to call the police…
It is important to remember that the role of the police is to be an impartial
investigator. When an assault has been reported to the police, officers
are responsible for the safety of the victim, ensuring medical attention
is provided, gathering, evaluating, and processing information or evidence.
To report a sexual assault, you can call the Police Non-Emergency line
416-808-2222 or for immediate emergency help, call 911. (The Toronto
Police Service work in conjunction with MCIS - Multilingual Community
Interpreter Service. This service is available to all victims for
any language barriers)
When you call police, uniformed officers will arrive. Depending on how
recent the assault was, the police may offer to take you to the hospital
to receive medical attention and to have any evidence of the sexual assault
on your body collected and documented. The uniform officers will guide you
through the process and advise the victim/complainant how to protect evidence,
ie; postpone voiding whenever possible until after the medical examination,
bring a change of clothing to the hospital.
You can choose to meet the police at the hospital. Whether or not you go
to the hospital is up to you.
If you choose to go to the hospital, the first responding uniform officer
will transport you there and stay with you. It is important that the victim/complainant
understand the importance of attending a hospital with a Sexual Assault
Care Centre for the purposes of personal safety and security as well as
the gathering of potential forensic evidence. He or she will interview you
briefly and ascertain the basic details of the assault, a description of
the suspect and any other relevant information. The victim/complainant has
the option of having a person of their choice or a member of Victim Services
present for support. A support person must not interfere in the investigation
and may be required to testify in court.
The uniform officer(s) will communicate details of the incident to the
communications operator, a supervisor and divisional sexual assault investigator.
If the incident meets the criteria for contacting the Sex Crimes Unit (ie;
suspect is a stranger), they too will be advised. A preliminary investigation
will begin.
Upon completion of a medical examination and sexual assault evidence kit,
the police will request the victim/complainant attend a police facility
(or other designated facility) to conduct an electronically recorded audio-video
statement. It is important for the victim/complainant to understand that
investigators prefer to conduct interviews with victims and witnesses while
details of the incident are fresh in their minds. If the victim requests
and when operationally possible, the victim will be given the option of
a male or female sexual assault investigator for the purposes of the interview/statement.
Upon completion of the statement investigators will ensure the victim/complainant
has transportation from the facility to their home or a place of safety.
Investigators will provide contact numbers and continue to offer advice
and assistance to the victim while they follow up and investigate the incident
promptly and thoroughly. Victims/complainants are encouraged to contact
investigators with any concerns, questions or any details that come to mind
about the incident being investigated.
Investigators will follow up with victims/complainants to update them regarding
their case. They will be advised of such details as; an arrest of suspect,
release and or detention of suspect, upcoming court dates and required appearances.
The court process can be confusing and overwhelming, victims/witnesses should
keep in mind that there are several agencies (including the police) that
will assist in court preparation.
If the police decide not to press charges, it does not mean they
do not believe you. The police may have a number of reasons for
not being able to pursue your case, such as not having enough physical
evidence to prove the charges in court. Investigators and crown attorneys
will be able to provide detailed explanations as they pertain to your
particular case.
If the police arrest and charge a suspect, the court process will begin.
This can be a lengthy and frustrating process. Investigators, crown attorneys
and victim services will be available to guide the victim.
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