No means no!
This means that even a simple "no" from the victim makes the perpetrator's action a criminal offense. Remember: every person has the right to say "no" at any point in an encounter where they feel uncomfortable. There is no such thing as "too early" or "too late". The perpetrator must only be able to clearly recognize that the sexual acts are not desired. If the victim cannot express their rejection in words, they can show the perpetrator that they do not want the sexual act by turning away, making themselves as stiff as a board, pushing away, crying, etc. The relationship of the victim to the perpetrator is irrelevant for the realization of an offence (married, friends, relatives, acquaintances or strangers). All sexual acts unwanted by the victim are punishable.
Sexual offenses do not always result in physically visible injuries. The psychological consequences for the victim can be just as severe. Depending on their personality, people react very differently to a sexual offense. Some are completely distraught and desperate, others appear calm and composed. Many victims hardly talk about the crime because they are ashamed and fear that they will not be believed or that they will be blamed. Especially in cases where victims know the perpetrator personally, may have had a date with them or invited them into their home, they feel partly to blame themselves. However, the responsibility lies solely with the perpetrator. The victim is never to blame!
File a criminal complaint! This is the only way to punish the perpetrator and protect other victims.
The police help victims of sexualized violence
What to expect when you go to the police
The police will take the first necessary information about the crime. You will provide more details later in your detailed statement to the criminal investigation department. If you would prefer to make your statement to a woman rather than a man (or vice versa), the police will try to make this possible.
In the case of sexual offenses, it is important for the criminal investigation department to get an overall picture of you and your life situation. This may also include questions about your intimate life, which the officers will ask in an objective manner. However, such questions will be limited to what is absolutely necessary.
If you have not been medically examined before making a report, the police will take you to a hospital or medical practice. There, a specialist will examine you gynecologically or physically and provide you with medical care (including initial treatment of physical injuries, pregnancy and AIDS tests). Traces will be secured, which may later be used as evidence.
You can file a written complaint (also via a lawyer) directly with the public prosecutor's office or the police. If additional information is required, the criminal investigation department may invite you to an additional witness interview.
Further information on the topic of victim protection here.
