# Experiences of women sexual assault survivors with police in the early aftermath of assault: Results from a large-scale prospective study

## TL;DR

This study explores how women who experienced sexual assault interact with police, finding that most had positive experiences, though disparities exist among certain groups.

## Contribution

The study presents the first large-scale prospective analysis of sexual assault survivors' police interactions in the U.S.

## Key findings

- Most women who spoke with police reported positive experiences.
- Latinas and women with lower education and income were less likely to engage with police.
- Trauma symptoms correlated with more negative police interactions.

## Abstract

Over 100,000 women present for emergency care after sexual assault (SA) annually in the United States. To our knowledge, no large prospective studies have assessed SA survivor experiences with police. Women SA survivors enrolled at 13 sites (n = 706), and 630 survivors reported on their police interactions. Most women were interested in speaking with police, spoke with police, and reported positive experiences. Latinas and women with lower education and income were less likely to speak with police. Trauma and posttraumatic stress symptoms were associated with more negative experiences. Qualitative comments provide key points for police to consider when speaking with survivors.