Reporting sexual assault to the police is your choice and yours alone. If you are afraid of reporting because you fear you won’t be believed, we are here to advocate for you. If you are afraid of reporting because you have a criminal record, you can still seek justice.

Things to know:

Confidentiality

• Reporting sexual assault to a medical professional, counselor, or advocate does not automatically trigger a police investigation. Many support services, like those provided by Verity, prioritize survivor confidentiality.  Verity can walk you through the reporting steps and help you decide if making a police report is right for you.

 Timeframe

• Reporting within five days of a sexual assault can allow for evidence to be collected via a forensic examination (check our FAQs for more detailed information about forensic examinations), if you wish you have one. If you are thinking about making a police report in the direct aftermath of an assault – be aware that bathing, showering, and other basic hygiene tasks may interfere with evidence collection.  Forensic examinations are done by a trained forensic nurse, and you may have a support person and a Verity Advocate present with you as well. 
• Penal Code 799(b)(1) indicates that the California rape statute of limitations doesn’t exist because the prosecution can commence at any time. While California doesn’t have a specific statute of limitations for prosecuting cases of sexual assault, if you choose to report, it’s crucial to report as soon as possible to preserve evidence and increase the chances of a successful investigation.

 Where to report:

• In California, understanding the appropriate jurisdiction is essential. If the assault happened within city limits, contact the local police department to file a report. Each city has its law enforcement agency responsible for investigating crimes within its boundaries.
• Campus Reporting: If the assault occurred on a college campus, you can report to the campus police or campus Title IX office. They can provide information on both campus and criminal reporting options.  

Regardless of if you choose to make a report to Law Enforcement, it is important that you seek the physical and emotional support you need if you have been assaulted. If you aren’t sure whether or not you want to report, or are seeking more information, please call our 24-hour crisis hotline at (707) 545-7273.

Reporting To The Correct Agency

If you decide you do want to report sexual assault, the agency you need to report to depends on where the crime occurred.

For reporting sexual assault in Sonoma County:

Cloverdale: (707) 894-2450
Cotati: (707) 792-4611
Healdsburg: (707) 431-3377
Petaluma: (707) 778-4370
Rohnert Park: (707) 584-2600
Santa Rosa: ((707) 528-5222)
Sebastopol: (707) 829-4400
Sonoma: (707) 996-3602
Windsor: (707) 565-2121

Reporting Assault on Campus:

Santa Rosa Junior College Police:  (707) 527-1000

Sonoma State University Police: (707) 664-4444

To report sexual assault anywhere else in Sonoma County outside the above cities’ limits, call (707) 565-8255