A stunning number of women are victims of sexual assault each year. For some it’s as simple as a grope on the subway and for others it’s a full sexual assault that leaves them scarred both mentally and physically. A stunning number of women refuse to report their sexual assaults for a variety of reasons, even though there are strong legal resources available to them to make sure the people that victimized them are made to pay for their crimes.
If a woman is sexually assaulted the first thing is to get to the police or the hospital. The more evidenced that can be gathered immediately the more likely a prosecution will be successful. If the assault is a rape then a rape kit is hugely important as it can contain a great deal of useful evidence about the attacker. The problem is that the assault is hugely traumatic for women and most would prefer to forget about it entirely. If you know someone who was assaulted try your best to get them to report it, see a doctor, and pursue the punishment of the criminal with vigor. Seeing that person behind bars might be the best possible help for a victim of such a terrible crime.
A sexual assault will typically be prosecuted by the district attorney’s office. In concert with the police department they’ll take statements, gather evidence, and try to put the scumbag behind bars. If that should fail for some reason the victim still has legal options. She can file a lawsuit against the attacker. In a civil court the burden of proof is much lower and the guy is far more likely to lose if there’s even decent evidence. A bankruptcy is not as fitting a punishment as jail but a rapist should pay in any way possible. There are countless rape and assault counseling services that all victims should take advantage of.