When you are the victim of a crime or you have seen a crime, it is important that you tell police about it. If you are injured or sexually assaulted, police can help you to receive medical treatment or counselling.

Making a report to the police about what happened can also be called ‘making a complaint’. Your report may help police to prevent future crimes or to identify and arrest the person who has committed the crime.

The police may then ask you to make a statement about what has happened to you. Making a report does not mean you must make a statement.