Reporting Options
It's never too late to report. Know your options.
Know your options.
You have options when it comes to reporting.
The Tuscaloosa SAFE Center can help you understand those options and answer questions about law enforcement involvement. Reporting can feel confusing, and you do not have to navigate it alone.
There are several reporting pathways available, depending on your age and circumstances. In many situations, you are able to decide whether to involve law enforcement.
Under Alabama law, healthcare providers are mandated reporters in certain situations. This includes survivors who are 17 years old or younger and adults who are members of a vulnerable population and may require protective services. Survivors who are 18 years old are able to make their own reporting decisions unless they require protective services. When a report is legally required, we will explain what that means and what to expect before moving forward.
For survivors who are 14 or 15 years old, parent or guardian consent is required in addition to the survivor’s consent in order to receive services.
If you are unsure about involving law enforcement, we can talk through your options so you feel informed before making any decisions.
Full Reporting
Full reporting means making a formal report to law enforcement, which begins an investigation.
In most cases, the report is taken at the SAFE Center. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will lead the medical history portion of the process by asking questions about what occurred. Law enforcement will be present and will use this information to begin their investigation. This approach is designed to reduce the number of times you have to recount the events of the assault.
If you choose full reporting, a forensic examination and evidence collection will be completed according to your consent. You remain in control throughout the process and may decide what parts of the exam you would like to participate in.
Anonymous Reporting
Anonymous reporting, sometimes referred to as a Jane or John Doe kit, allows you to have a forensic exam and evidence collected without making a report to law enforcement at that time.
You will share what happened with the nurse so your medical care and evidence collection can be completed appropriately. Law enforcement will not be present during the exam.
The evidence collected will be submitted and stored according to state protocol, but law enforcement will not receive identifying information about you or details of the assault. An investigation will not begin unless you later choose to make a formal report.
This option allows you to preserve evidence while keeping your reporting decision open.
Medical Evaluation
A medical evaluation focuses on your health and well-being without collecting forensic evidence.
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The forensic nurse will assess your body for injuries, ensure you are medically safe, offer medications to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy, and assist with any referrals you may need.
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Evidence will not be collected during a medical-only exam. Law enforcement is typically not involved in this option unless you choose to involve them.
Title IX
This options is for college students
If you are a college student, you have rights under Title IX.
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Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational settings. You may contact your school’s Title IX office to learn about your options.
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Through Title IX, you may request supportive measures such as class schedule changes, housing adjustments, academic flexibility, or other accommodations to help you continue your education.
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You may also choose to file a formal complaint, which can begin a campus investigation. In some cases, schools may offer an informal resolution process when appropriate.
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Reporting to a Title IX office is separate from reporting to law enforcement. You may choose one, both, or neither.
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If you would like help understanding how Title IX works at your institution, we can assist you in navigating your options.
