Victims can report sexual abuse in Georgia by contacting their local police or sheriff’s department or by reaching out to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
Anyone who suspects sexual abuse of a child should report it to the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services Child Protective Center. Georgia is a mandated reporter state, meaning people working in specific professions are required to report suspected child abuse immediately, no later than 24 hours after discovery. Failure to do so can mean criminal penalties.
If you or your child are a victim of sexual abuse in Georgia, hopefully, the courts will do their job, and your abuser will pay the price. Beyond that, your path to healing is a long one. An Atlanta sexual assault lawyer can help you understand your rights under the law and how to get the compensation you deserve.
Important Steps Before You Report Sexual Abuse in Georgia
Reporting sexual abuse as soon as possible is extremely important. However, there are a few things you should be sure to take care of before you make a report. This keeps you safe and healthy in the immediate aftermath of the incident and gives the police the information they need to make an arrest. It also helps preserve your standing in any civil case you wish to pursue.
Get to Safety
Your first priority should be to get out of danger and to a safe location away from your abuser. If you are under threat, call 911 so that emergency personnel can come to your location and intervene.
When police arrive, give them a thorough statement to the best of your recollection. Cooperate with paramedics if they request to take you for treatment so you can be assessed quickly.
Get Medical Attention
Whether or not you think you are injured, get medical care. A medical professional can evaluate your condition, perform a forensic examination, and collect evidence after the altercation. The information gained from these examinations is critical.
While the ideal time to go to the hospital is immediately after the event, a medical exam conducted hours or days later may still be helpful.
Preserve Evidence
It can be difficult in the time immediately after the abuse, but if possible, try to preserve as much evidence as you can. This includes anything the abuser may have touched or left at the scene. If possible, avoid showering, changing clothes, and washing up until after you have undergone a forensic examination.
Report Sexual Abuse in Georgia to Law Enforcement
In the state of Georgia, you have the right to report sexual abuse to law enforcement. If police and medical personnel got involved at the time of your abuse, you have a sound foundation for this report.
Transcripts from your 911 call, your police report, and evidence collected during your medical examinations all work in your favor and establish a snapshot of the event. They will also help your lawyer when putting together your case.
Georgia sexual abuse cases typically fall under the jurisdiction of the local police or sheriff’s department.
Georgia’s Child Abuse Specialist Program
In some cases, particularly when they involve children, you may report sexual abuse in Georgia through the Child Abuse Specialist program of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Reporting to your local police department is a good start, and they can let you know how to proceed from there.
Once you’ve made your report, an officer will begin an investigation. They will attempt to collect evidence, and the more you cooperate with this process, the better. Your medical reports, 911 recordings, and any other evidence you have collected can come into play here. They will also interview the victim and any witnesses.
Sexual Abuse and Civil Action in Georgia
If police can identify the abuser and if they have enough evidence, they will make an arrest and charge the abuser with a crime. And, if the system works as it should, the abuser should be off the street for a long time.
However, you still have the right to pursue financial compensation in civil court. An Atlanta sexual assault lawyer can help you understand what steps you should take next. Reach out to our lawyers to learn about your options for moving forward with your case.
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How Long Do You Have to Report Sexual Abuse in Georgia?
The time limit for reporting sexual abuse in Georgia—also known as the statute of limitations—varies depending on the age of the victim and the circumstance of the offense.
The statute of limitations for adults seeking civil action is generally two years from the date of the incident. It can get more complicated for minors and when cases involve DNA evidence.
It is smart to talk to an attorney about your case, even if you believe the statute of limitations may have passed. There may be a specific circumstance that still allows you to pursue a civil trial against your abuser.
Fight Back Against Abuse
In a perfect world, the criminal justice system tracks down the people who commit crimes and holds them accountable. In the real world, you can put the odds in your favor by taking the right steps after sexual abuse, reporting the event, and finding a powerful ally who can help hold your abuser accountable in the civil courts.
At John Foy & Associates, we understand the hardships you’ve suffered as a victim of sexual abuse, and we are ready to fight for your rights in civil court so you can get the compensation you need to heal and rebuild.
The Strong Arm of Georgia is the ally you need to fight back against sexual abuse. Contact our firm today and find out how we can help.
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