Reporting The Crime
The police want people to report these crimes so they can find the offenders and possibly prevent further attacks. Deciding to report it is a big step but if you do these are some of the things that will happen:

• The role of the police is to gather evidence and report to the Procurator Fiscal ((the person who decides whether this individual will prosecuted)). If you report soon afterwards, do not wash or change. Do not imbibe any alcohol or drugs. So as not to destroy valuble forensic evidence.

• An examination will ONLY take place with your full consent. This involves a visit to a doctor, gender of your choice, usually female. They are trained for this and so are professional, gentle and quick. Your clothes will be examined. You may then clean up.

• The police also have specially trained men and women who will be understanding and sympathetic. Sometimes you may have to give a detailed statement immediately, but usually a brief one is taken first and arrangements made to take the more detailed one later. The interview will probably be recorded on paper, in which case you will have to sign it and initial any mistakes. It may be taped. Video recordings are becoming more common nowadays, mostly with very young victims. If you are under the age of 18, you may have to arrange for a friend or family member to be at the interviews.

• An officer will be designated to your case. He/she will be your contact with the police until enquiries are complete. They will inform you of its progress, offer support and answer any of your questions.

• You may be asked to view photographs of suspects, compile a photofit and possibly view an identifiation parade. These are completely confidential; you will have no contact with the suspects.

• An unmarked car can be arranged to take you to and from interviews. A person of your choice may accompany you. Signers/interpreters can also be arranged.

Getting to Court
Many victims are not legally represented at trial but you can take a friend/volunteer with you at each stage. The Prosecutor Fiscal will decide if the individual will be prosecuted or not. If there is insufficient evidence, for instance, it will not go ahead. You can ask to be told if it is decided not to. At the first court appearance the judge will decide whether the accused will be released on bail or kept in custody. You should tell the police or Prosecutor Fiscal if you have any fears about the accused being released. Special conditions may be attatched to their bail to protect you.

Precognition Interviews
In cases of rape/sexual assault the fiscal will usually interview you personally. You will get a form/letter asking you to attend. The name of the fiscal/precognition officer you will see is given at the foot of the form/letter.

The precognition allows the fiscal to grow through the evidence in detail again. You can ask them anything about the case. If there is a prosecution you may have to wait up to a year for the trial if the accused is on bail, less if in custody. The defence are entitled to interview you at this stage. You can ask for support and information for it.

The accused can plead guilty at any stage. If so, you will not need to go to court. You can ask the fiscal when the case will be.

At Court
If the accused pleads guilty, everyone will prepare for the trial. You can ask for help to familiarise yourself with the setting and procedures.

During the trial the judge and jury will hear evidence from the prosecution. When you are called, you will be asked questions by the prosecuting laywer, the Prosecutor Fiscal in the Sheriff Court, the Advocate Deputy in the High Court - and then cross-examined by the defence laywer. The judge may also ask questions. You will not be asked about your sexual past unless the judge is satisfied it is relevant

After you have given evidence, you can stay or leave. You will be told the verdict and sentence either way. You can claim expenses for travel, subsistence, childcare arrangements and loss of earnings for the time at court.

Publicity
If the case is given to the media, they will not disclose your identity. They may give details of the attack. If the case goes to trial, the police will clear members of the public from the court so you may give evidence in private.

Personal Safety
Support can be asked for and given. If you experience any harrasment/intimidation because of the attack, tell supprt agencies or the police. Carry a personal alarm and seek home security.

Compensation
If you have reported the crime you may be eligible for compensation. Victim support or other agencies can help you with your application. You can get application forms from: