“When Sexual Assault Survivors with Warrants Present for Medical Care”

Sexual assault is a largely under-reported crime because victims perceive and experience consequences from reporting. Victims with outstanding warrants often do not report sexual assault due to fear of law enforcement and criminal justice consequences for themselves. Being arrested could mean losing things like access to medical care, the ability to care for family, a job, a support system, housing, or freedom.  The risk of these losses, compounded by the fear they will not be believed, often outweighs the benefits of reporting for victims with outstanding warrants. Click to learn more about the committees recommendations.