If you are in immediate danger, or have suffered a sexual assault, and/or need medical assistance as a result of a sexual assault, call 9-1-1 immediately or ask a neighbor to call if you are unable. If your situation is not an emergency, but you wish to report the incident, call the Southfield Police Department non-emergency number 1-248-796-5500, or come to the Southfield Police Department at 26000 Evergreen Southfield, MI. All incidents of sexual assault should be reported to law enforcement. This should be done as soon as possible after the incident to preserve evidence. You should also seek medical attention for any injuries you may have suffered.
Guidelines
The legal term for rape or sexual assault in Michigan is Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC). There are four degrees of CSC, which are summarized below. The degree of CSC that an offender is charged with depends on a number of circumstances, some of which include the victim’s age, mental capacity, use of weapons or family relationship.
First Degree or Third Degree CSC:
Both of these crimes involve forced or coerced sexual penetration. This can be vaginal, anal or oral intercourse; putting a finger or object into another person’s anal or vaginal opening. [MCLA 750.520b & MCLA 750.520d]
Second or Fourth Degree CSC:
Both of these crimes involve forced or coerced sexual contact. These include touching the groin, genital area, inner thigh, buttocks or breasts or the clothing covering these parts. [MCLA 750.520c & 750.520e]
Assault with Intent to Commit First Degree CSC:
This crime is an assault where the perpetrator intended to commit First Degree CSC. [MCLA 750.520g]
Assault with Intent to Commit Second Degree CSC:
This crime is an assault where the perpetrator intended to commit Second Degree CSC. [MCLA 750.520g]
A person who is drugged, incapacitated, or under the age of 16 is deemed by law to be unable to give consent.
Making a Police Report
The criminal process is not an easy road, but most victims find it helpful in their healing journey. When you report the incident, you can have a friend, relative or advocate present for support. Have as much information as possible about the incident available for the police. If you need to, write everything down that you can remember about the assault and the perpetrator. When you meet with the police, an officer will interview you about the incident. Some questions that are asked are intimate and embarrassing but are necessary for the criminal process. The police may request you to go to the hospital for an examination. During the examination, the physician will obtain physical evidence.
Your case will be assigned to a police investigator. All the information the investigator gathers will be sent to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office where a criminal complaint (warrant) will be requested. The decision to prosecute belongs to the prosecutor and is based on the evidence that is available. Not all cases are prosecuted. This is usually because there is not enough evidence to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury that the defendant is guilty, not because the prosecutor does not believe you.
