The Austin Police Department Sex Crimes Unit was created to investigate felony sexual assaults in Austin, Texas (sexual crimes committed against victims 17 years of age or older). The unit also investigates other crimes such as indecent assault, public lewdness, indecent exposure, window peeping, assault by contact/sexual nature, and invasive visual recording.  

April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. During this time, we shine a light on prevention, education, and community resources for survivors. According to the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 2 in 5 women and 1 in 5 men will experience sexual violence in their lifetime.  

It is likely that at some point in our lives, we will be a family member, friend, or loved one of someone who has experienced sexual violence. The most important thing we can do is believe them. It is important to understand that rape is never ok, and it is never the survivor’s fault.

To understand sexual violence and truly support survivors we must dispel harmful myths that are often rooted in victim blaming. These myths are dangerous as they can lead survivors to harbor feelings of shame and self-doubt which can stagnate healing or seek help. Myths can also create negative societal views of survivors which can impact criminal justice system outcomes, and the quality of healthcare survivors receive.  

Let’s explore two common myths.

Myth #1: You cannot be sexually assaulted by your spouse or partner.

Fact: Consent is not a one-time conversation, nor should it be assumed in a partnership. 8 out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by a person known to the victim and in 33% of those cases the assault is committed by a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend (RAINN). Consent can be given or revoked at any time, relationship or not.  

Myth #2: Wearing certain clothing, being flirtatious, or drinking too much means the victim was “asking for it”.  

Fact: What all sexual assaults have in common is a rapist. Rape does not happen without a rapist. No one deserves to be raped. Drinking, flirting, or wearing sexy clothing is not indicative of someone’s desire to participate in sexual activity. Consent must be obtained to engage in sexual activity with someone.  

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault the Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response & Resource Team (SARRT) in collaboration with the Austin Police Department and several community partners have created atxbelieves.org a website with comprehensive resource information. You do not have to report to law enforcement to access these resources. The path to healing has many roads and you decide what is best for you. We believe you. You are NOT alone.  

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of a sexual crime, please call or text 9-1-1. If you are in need of resources or information, please contact our Victim Services Unit at (512) 974-5037, the SAFE Alliance at (512) 257-7233 or atxbelieves.org. 

When tragedy strikes, friends and loved ones gather for support. It should be the same with sexual violence. But all too often, survivors who have the courage to tell someone what happened are blamed instead of comforted. This needs to change.

If you are a victim of Sexual Assault call 9-1-1 so the police may respond to your location and make a report.

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual Assault is a crime of violence, not a crime of passion and is defined as any type of sexual penetration made without consent. Consent must be freely given with words or actions. Consent cannot be freely given if a person is threatened, unconscious, unaware of what is happening, or mentally incapable to consent.  

Examples of sexual assault include penetration of the mouth, vagina, or anus with a finger, penis or object.

If you have been, or think you have been sexually assaulted, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. This will provide information about what your options are, how to report sexual assaults, and how the process works.

Sexual Abuse Facts:

1 in 5 women are raped in their lifetime

1 in 71 men are raped in their lifetime

As low as 9% of all Sexual Assault cases are reported in Texas. It is the most underreported violent crime in the U.S.

What are my options?

If you are a victim of a Sexual Assault we hope you will report it to APD by calling 911. One of our police officers and victim services personnel will come to you to document important information and answer your questions. If the assault happened within 120 hours of making a report, you will be offered a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) in order to gather evidence as well as assuring your medical and emotional wellbeing. If you are unable to make a police report following the assault, we encourage you to talk to someone. There are many resources you can access, including SafePlace, Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAAIN) and National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC.) Also, you can have a SAFE conducted without making a police report. All you have to do is contact SafePlace at 512-267-SAFE (7233).

What happens if I make a police report?

One of our police officers will make sure you are safe. They will document all the important information and forward that to trained Sex Crimes Detectives. Your case will be assigned to an APD Victim Service Counselor who will be available to provide you with support during the entire investigative process. The Detectives will call you within a couple days of receiving the report. You are in control of your investigation, and it will be conducted at whatever pace you are comfortable with. 

We ask that you make a report even if you haven’t decided if you want to participate with the investigation. The decision to move forward with the investigation is yours and you may stop the process at any time.

How can I check the status of a sexual assault report that I made?

The Austin Police Department is in the process of getting all SAFE kits analyzed. If you have ever made a report and want to check the status of the investigation, please call your assigned investigator. If you don’t know who you’re assigned investigator is you can call 512-974-5555 or e-mail. 

Links and resources

Helpful Numbers

Funding for APD Sex Crimes digital messaging and PSAs was provided by the State of Texas
This project was supported by subgrant numbers 2827402 and 1341018,  awarded by the state administering office for the STOP Formula Grant Program and Victims of Crime Act Formula Grant Program. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the City of Austin Police Department and do not necessarily reflect the views of the state or the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women or U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime.”