As a survivor of sexual abuse this has to be the hardest thing to reporting the abuse to the police, and to be totally honest most people don't especially men or like me report the abuse a lot later on in life. It depends on the person or the parents or Guardian's of child victims. As we know court cases for sexual assault can be very horrific and emotional for anyone, lets not kid ourselves. I believe you shouldn't force a person to go through this, they have to do it for the right reasons but what are the right reasons. A lot of victims are angry and hurt and want justice, I know I wanted to punch my attacker in the head but that's just me I'm over that bit now if you want compensation you will have to go to court. I'm afraid its all very daunting I know but believe me I've been through this so it can be done sometimes you have to bite the bullet and face your fears and please you are not alone in this. Your decision may not be to report the abuse to the police or you may decide to do it later in life know this in most countries there is no time limit to reporting the abuse I know it's so in Australia but of course the longer you leave it the harder for the conviction

1. If you are over eighteen it is your choice whether you report a sexual assault or sexual abuse to the police.

2. There is no time limit for when you can make a report it doesn't make a difference if it happened 2 days ago or 20 years ago. However, the sooner you report the better, because it may be harder for the police to get enough evidence to lay charges as time passes.

3. If you decide to report to the police, it is a good idea to talk to people you trust beforehand to get support.

4. You can ask for a female police officer if your a woman if that will make you feel more comfortable.

5. You can take a support person with you, but they cannot speak on your behalf.

6. Making a statement can take several hours. You can ask for a break whenever you need to.

7. Police will take a written statement. They will ask a lot of questions including some which may seem strange to you and some that may be upsetting. The police ask questions to help them gather evidence, they need the information to be very detailed so they can pin the event down to a time and person. You may not be able to remember all of the details. If you don't remember, be honest and tell the police what you can remember.

8. Sexual assault is a crime against the-State: This means that you cannot "press charges". The police will decide if there is enough evidence to press charges. You then become a witness to the crime.

9. It can take a while (up to two years and sometimes more) after you make a statement to the police before charges are laid and the case goes to court.

10. Many cases do not go to court. Criminal charges must be proven "beyond reasonable doubt". That means the court must be convinced that the person is guilty.