Police & notices
Rape, sexual assault or molestation — or a child was sexually abused
What happened is not your fault. You can get medical care, free treatment and support even before deciding about a police case.
Answer a few questions and get your list →What the law says
Rape and sexual offences are crimes under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (including Sections 63–64 for rape, 74–79 for assault and harassment). Offences against children are covered by the POCSO Act, 2012, under which reporting is compulsory. Under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023: an FIR can be filed at any police station (Zero FIR) and should be recorded by a woman officer; the survivor must be medically examined by a registered doctor, with consent; all hospitals must give free first aid and treatment; and victims can claim compensation from the state. Publishing a survivor’s identity is a crime.
General information, not legal advice.
Papers that usually help
- Medical examination report and treatment records
Medical evidence is time-sensitive and key. - Clothes worn at the time, unwashed, in a paper bag
May hold forensic evidence. - Messages, calls, photos or anything the person sent
Supports your account. - Your own notes: what happened, when, where — written as soon as you can
Memory fades; notes help later. - Names of anyone you told afterwards
Witnesses to what you said soon after. - Age proof of the child (birth certificate, school record)
POCSO applies to anyone under 18. - Copy of the FIR (free) and your statement
You are entitled to a free copy. - Contact a One Stop Centre (181) for medical, legal and counselling help
They help with police, hospital and a lawyer under one roof.
Questions Saboot will ask you
- First: are you safe right now?
- Who was harmed?
- When did it happen?
- Is the person known to you?
- Have you told the police?
Sources
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012
- One Stop Centres for women (Ministry of WCD)
- NALSA — free legal aid
Common situations
- I was sexually assaulted recently
- A child was abused
- Abused by a family member
- Assault happened years ago
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