What it is:

This is a formal report to the police, which leads to an official investigation.

What happens:

• You'll provide a detailed statement about the incident, which will typically be audio- and video-recorded at an RCMP detachment.

• You can have a E Fry Victim Services worker with you for emotional support throughout the process. If you would like to access this support, please contact us here.

• Police may collect evidence, speak to witnesses, and may ask follow-up questions.

• The investigation may take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case.

• Once completed, the RCMP will forward the file to a government lawyer, known as Crown Counsel, who will determine if charges should be laid and whether the case will proceed to court.

• If charges are filed, you may be called to testify in court at a later date.

This option is for survivors of sexual assault who want to provide information but may want the option to proceed with an investigation later.

What it is:
You provide information about the sexual assault to the police, but they do not initiate an investigation right away. This report is for documentation purposes only unless you later decide to move forward with an investigation.

What happens:

• You share basic information about the incident with the police.

• Police do not take a full statement or collect evidence unless you ask them to at a later time.

• Your report is securely stored and can be reopened in the future if you decide to proceed with an investigation.

Who it’s for:
Survivors of sexual assault who want to provide information and may want the option to proceed with an investigation later.

Important:

• This option is not generally available for intimate partner violence (IPV).

• In BC, police are required by law to investigate IPV once they receive any information — even if the person experiencing violence does not want charges. This means that once police are informed about IPV, they may move forward with the investigation without your consent.

Things to consider:

• An E Fry Victim Services worker can help you decide which reporting option feels safest for you.

• If you're unsure about what kind of report to make, you can speak confidentially with a E Fry Victim Services worker before contacting police. If you would like to access this support, please contact us here.

What it is:

You provide information about the assault through a Victim Services worker from E. Fry, without speaking directly to the police.

What happens:

• Your identity remains anonymous; you do not provide your name to the police.

• You complete a “Third-Party Report” form, which Victim Services submits to the RCMP.

• The police can use the information to track trends or identify repeat offenders.

• You have the option to speak directly with the police later if you choose to.

Who it’s for:

This option is for survivors over the age of 19 who do not wish to have direct contact with the police but still want their experience to be acknowledged and potentially assist in future investigations.

What it is:
You decide not to report the assault to the police.

What happens:

• No legal action is taken.

• You can still access support services, including counseling, medical care, safety planning, and assistance from victim services.

Who it’s for:
This option is for survivors who prefer not to engage with the legal system but still want to access support and resources.

In most cases, the accused is NOT arrested right away.

• Police need time to collect evidence, review information, and decide whether an arrest is necessary.

• Sometimes arrests happen quickly, but often they can take days or even weeks.

• This doesn’t mean your report isn’t being taken seriously — investigations just take time.

If the accused is arrested, here’s what might happen next:

• They may be held in custody, or they may be released with conditions.

• If released, the accused usually must follow certain rules called conditions.

• These conditions sometimes include no-contact orders, which mean the accused cannot contact you, attend your home/work/school, etc. These conditions may vary if you share children, etc.

• If the accused breaks these conditions, they can be arrested again.

If you have any safety concerns at any time, you may inform RCMP or your victim services caseworker. They can assist in helping you understand your options.