Sexual Assault FAQs | Hamilton Police Service

Online Police Reporting for Sexual Assaults

Frequently Asked Questions:

Question
What do I do if online incident reporting is not suitable for what I need to report?

Answer
If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If non-emergency and you would like a patrol officer to respond call 905-546-4925. If the sexual assault occurred over a year ago you can also report directly to the Victims of Crime office line 905-540-5553

Question
What type of sexual assault can I report on-line?

Answer
Only non-emergency, past sexual assaults can be reported online

Question
What if this happened in another city? Can I file a report using this online reporting system?

Answer
No, if a crime took place outside the City of Hamilton, please report to the police service for that jurisdiction. That service can then contact the Hamilton Police Service for assistance if Hamilton is a more convenient location for you to have your interview

Question
How do I know if I have been sexually assaulted?

Answer
A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration.

Question
What will happen after I make an online sexual assault report?

Answer
A Detective who is specially trained in sexual assault cases will contact you within 7 days of your report submission

Question
What if the sexual assault happened a long time ago?

Answer
There is no statute of limitations on sexual assault, you can choose to report at any time

Question
What information do I need to include in the body of my report?

Answer
Only a brief description is required, the Detective will get all the pertinent information at a later date. You should not include the name of the assailant in your report

Question
If I change my mind after I have reported to Police do I have to continue with the investigation?

Answer
No, in some domestic cases the detective is obligated by law to press charges, otherwise, you can decide if you want to proceed or not. Your case can also be re-opened should you decide you would like to proceed at a later date

Question
What can DNA evidence be used for?

Answer
One of the most reliable forms of evidence in many criminal cases is in our genes, encoded in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). DNA evidence can be collected from blood, hair, skin cells, and other bodily substances. It can even be used to solve old crimes that occurred prior to the development of DNA-testing technology.

Question
How can DNA help the police investigate your complaint?

Answer
DNA can be recovered from clothing up to 7 washings and in the body for up to 12 days. Police will collect the clothing and you may be considered to have a sexual assault evidence kit completed.