Fond du Lac County Law Enforcement Links:
Fond du Lac Sheriff's Department
Fond du Lac Police Department
North Fond du Lac Police Department
Ripon Police Department
Rosendale Police Department
Brandon/Fairwater Police Department
Campbellsport Police Department
Other helpful links:
WI Sex Offender Registry
Family Watchdog
Coordinated Community Response
WI Circuit Court Access
National Sex Offender Registry
Missing Children and Child Exploitation
Computer Safety Tips
Sexual Assault is against
the law…
…out of all the cases of sexual assault reported in the Fond du Lac area last year, 278 of them were sexual assaults against children.
…officials also believe that only ONE out of ten cases of sexual assault is reported.
…sexual activity under the age of
18 is a crime punishable under
For more information read ASTOP's brochures on:
Sex: Are you willing to do the time for it?
Law Enforcement:
Local Law Enforcement strives to create a safe
community by working in a collaborative effort to increase victim safety
and hold offenders accountable by working with community
partners who are committed to reducing violence.
Reporting
the Crime to the Police
We hope you
will decide to report your attack to the police. While there’s no way to
change what happened to you, you can seek justice and help stop it from
happening to someone else.
Reporting to
the police is the key to preventing sexual assault: every time we lock
up a rapist, we’re preventing him or her from committing another attack.
It’s the most effective tool that exists to prevent future rapes. In the
end, though, whether or not to report is your decision to make. Here are
some tools to help you make the decision that is right for you.
Reporting
Rape
Am I required to report to police?
No, you are
not legally obligated to report. The decision is entirely yours, and
everyone will understand if you decided not to pursue prosecution. (You
should be aware that the district attorney's office retains the right to
pursue prosecution whether or not you participate, though it is uncommon
for them to proceed without the cooperation of the victim. There are
also times when a third party, such as a doctor or teacher, is a
suspicion of sexual abuse.
Many victims
say that reporting is the last thing they want to do right after being
attacked. That's perfectly understandable — reporting can seem invasive,
time consuming and difficult.
Still, there
are many good reasons to report, and some victims say that reporting
helped their recovery and helped them regain a feeling of control.
If you are 18 years old or older you are the only one who can decide whether or not to make a report to law enforcement. If you are 17 years old and younger a report will be made to the Department of Social Services in the county where you reside. They will investigate the report to ensure your safety from the alleged offender.
The following are some things to consider when making your decision.
Advantages:
- If you report and the offender is caught and convicted you may have protected others from being a victim by the offender or your report may help substantiate another report.
- You may be eligible for Crime Victim Compensation provided by the State of Wisconsin.
- You can request emotional support throughout the criminal justice process from ASTOP or Victim Witness Services located in the District Attorney’s (DA) office.
- By making a law enforcement report you are exercising your rights.
Disadvantages:
- It may be difficult for you to repeat your story for what may feel like several times, to law enforcement, DA and the court.
- Although the DA ultimately decides whether or not your case will go to trial, your input is very important.
- At times it may feel as though you are being asked to relive the sexual violence and defend yourself.
- Because of the lengthy and complicated legal process beginning after you report, many reports do not end up going to trial and even fewer result in conviction. This can be very discouraging for survivors.
Remember, whatever your decision, it is the best decision for you at this time.
430 E. Division St.
Fond du Lac, WI 54935
920-926-5395