How to Report Sexual Assault
and Domestic Violence
Understanding Consent, Sexual Assault, and Reporting
Information | Prevention | Empowerment
For many survivors, reporting their assault is an important part of their healing. Choosing what to do after experiencing sexual assault can be challenging, but there is no right or wrong course of action, it is ultimately your decision.
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Reporting Process Brochure
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Reporting
CALL 911, An official investigation cannot begin until reported to Law Enforcement.
To receive support in filing a report, use the resources below:
If you need support in reporting to Law Enforcement, these resources are also available.
NPS Dispatch
209-379-1992
Available 24/7 for emergency assistance from park service law enforcement officers.
Can provide help even if not called immediately.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
800-656-4673 | rain.org/resources
A national hotline, available 24/7, with knowledge of the reporting process.
Yosemite Valley Medical Clinic
209-372-4637
The clinic is a neutral space and confidentially provide medical services and referrals to desired resources including mental health and social safety net services with community partners.
Local Resource Groups
*All groups listed are committed to serving individuals of all genders, races, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and other identities.
One option is contacting a local organization that helps those affected by sexual assault and domestic violence. Groups below have sexual assault hotlines available 24/7 and can provide or connect you with:
Legal Assistance
Medical Examinations
Safe Housing
Professional Counseling
Support Groups
Safety Planning
Mountain Crisis Services
888 966-2350
Mariposa, CA
mountaincrisisservices.org
Valley Crisis Center
209 722-4357
Merced, CA
valleycrisiscenter.org
Additional Resources
What is Consent?
An active agreement to engage in sexual activity.
Consent must be:
Informed: They know what they're agreeing to.
Explicit: A clear "yes".
Freely Given: They said "yes" because they want to, not because they had to.
A person cannot consent if they are:
Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Mentally compromised
Asleep
Underage
Threatened, coerced, or intimidated
What is Assault?
Any sexual contact without explicit consent from the recipient.
Sexual contact includes, but is not limited to:
Intentional contact of genitalia, buttocks, breasts, inner thigh, or other private areas
Touching
Kissing
Fondling (over or under clothing)
Sexual assault is a broad legal term that can be used to describe numerous cases, including: sexual abuse, rape, indecent behavior, indecent assault, sexual molestation, incest, child sexual abuse, child sexual assault, touching, ‘feeling up’, and sexual harassment.
How to Support
Do you know someone who has been sexually assaulted?
Here are some tips:
Share this webpage and encourage them to reach out to a local resource group.
Offer your support and ask what they need.
Communicate with them intentionally.
Check out the tips below for more help.
Supportive Communication Do's and Don'ts
Do:
Remain calm.
Let them express their feelings.
Assure them of your support.
Maintain confidentiality.
Encourage them to get help.
Don’t:
Get angry.
Pry into the intimate details.
Say everything is all right.
Hold or touch them without permission.
Confront the offender.
It is important to help family and friends who have been affected by sexual assault.
What Should I Do If I Or Someone I Know Was Sexually Assaulted?
Workplace Harassment
For Workplace Harassment:
Contact your company's Human Resources or Administration for your Workplace Harassment Policy.
It is always recommended to familiarize yourself with Policy and know your rights. If needed, you can utilize the additional resources as supplemental information - but workplace and off the clock processes are separate.
You can also contact the The Equal Opportunity Office (EEO) www.eeoc.gov