Maryland has made it a crime to commit sexual assault on another person, including that person’s spouse; sexual assault, also known as Maryland rape or sexual battery, can be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony. If you have experienced an assault, you should contact an experienced rape lawyer right away. Your attorney can help you understand your rights and can advise you on how to proceed with your case so that you have the best possible outcome possible. Contact the lawyers at Cohen & Cohen today for help.
How to Report A Rape
If you are in a place where you feel safe, there are several ways to report your sexual assault to the authorities. 1) Call 911 or other emergency numbers. 2) Visit your local hospital and/or a health clinic as soon as possible after the incident and talk to a medical professional. 3) File a police report at the police station near where the assault occurred. 4) Contact an advocate, which can be someone you trust or an agency providing support for sexual assault survivors such as rape crisis centers, health clinics, hospitals, friends or family members, etc.
Any of these routes will allow you to report your assault, and they can all help with the next step.
Seek Medical Attention and an Attorney
If you’ve been a victim of rape in Maryland, the aftermath can be one of confusion and emotional turmoil. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to provide authorities with forensic evidence and preserve your rights. The emotional distress that accompanies rape can lead to intense stress, which makes it difficult for victims to speak about their attack without breaking down. If you feel that counseling is helpful, then consider seeking help from a mental health professional such as a licensed therapist or psychologist. For those who want someone else to talk about what happened, sexual assault advocates are specially trained professionals that can help you find support networks and comfort while helping you report your case in the proper manner.
After seeking medical attention, it is then time to find an attorney to represent your case.
Victim’s Rights
In the United States, there are various rights which victims of sexual assault have, including:
- Knowing your rights and what to expect as you move through the criminal justice system.
- The right to choose whether or not you report the assault to law enforcement.
- The right to request a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Examination if you’ve been sexually assaulted.
- The right to choose whether or not you want your perpetrator prosecuted (even if they confess).
- Requesting that someone besides a police officer take photographs of your injuries. These rights were created by victim advocates in response to other victims’ needs who wanted the process of reporting sexual assaults less complicated and more tailored towards their needs.
Contact an Attorney Today
An individual’s most important resource following a sexual assault is their personal safety. Once that is taken care of, it is essential to make sure you receive the medical attention you need and have the tools necessary to collect evidence against your attacker in order to hold them accountable for their actions. A lawyer can help you with both of these needs by providing you with reliable guidance and support as you move forward on your legal case. Contact an attorney from Cohen & Cohen today to represent you if you have experienced a rape in Maryland, and find out how they can help protect your rights.
