Opening a case at a police station

If someone committed a crime against you, you have the right to report it and to have it investigated. This is true whether you were robbed, assaulted, threatened, stalked, sexually assaulted, or abused by a partner or family member. The law protects men in exactly the same way as it protects anyone else.

Walking into a police station can feel hard, especially if you are hurt, shaken or worried about how you will be treated. This guide explains what happens when you open a case, so you know what to expect and what to ask for.

Before you go

• You can go to any police station. If the crime happened in another area, the station should still take your statement and send the case to the right place.
• Take your ID, driver's licence or passport if you have it. If you don't have ID with you, you can still report.
• Take anything that shows what happened, such as photos of injuries or damage, screenshots of messages, medical notes, or a list of stolen items.
• Write down the names and contact details of any witnesses.
• Make notes of what you remember: the date, the time, the place, what was said and done, and what the person looked like. Shock can make memory fade quickly.
• You can take someone you trust with you for support.

If you were sexually assaulted, try to get medical care as soon as you can and keep the clothes you were wearing in a paper bag. Thuthuzela Care Centres can help with medical care and reporting after sexual violence. Read What to do after a sexual assault for more.

Giving your statement

Your statement, also called an affidavit, is your account of what happened, written down and signed under oath. It is one of the most important documents in your case, so take your time.

1. Tell the officer you want to open a case. Say clearly what happened in a sentence or two, for example "I was assaulted last night and I want to open a case."
2. Ask for privacy if you need it. Many stations have a Victim-Friendly Room, a private space away from the public counter. You can ask whether one is available.
3. Tell your story in order. Start at the beginning and explain what happened, step by step. Include details like times, places, words used and any injuries. If you are more comfortable in another language, say so.
4. Only say what you know is true. If you are not sure about something, say "I am not sure." It is better to leave something out than to guess.
5. Read the statement before you sign it. Read every page carefully. If anything is wrong, missing, or not how you said it, ask the officer to correct it before you sign. Never sign a statement you have not read or do not agree with.
6. Ask for a copy. You may ask for a copy of your statement to keep for your own records.

If you remember more details later, you can add a further statement. Contact the investigating officer and tell them.

What to get before you leave

Don't leave without this information. Keep it somewhere safe.

• Your CAS number. This is your case number. You will need it every time you ask about your case. You may also receive it by SMS.
• The investigating officer's name and contact details. This is the detective who will work on your case. If one has not been assigned yet, ask when and how you will be told.
• The name of the officer who took your statement, and the station's phone number.
• A copy of your statement, if you asked for one.

If it was domestic abuse

If your partner, ex-partner or a family member hurt or threatened you, the police have extra duties under the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998. They should explain your rights to you, including your right to apply for a protection order, and help you get medical care or find a safe place to stay if you need one.

Opening a criminal case and applying for a protection order are two separate steps. You can do one or both. Read Applying for a protection order and When your partner is abusing you.

Myths and facts

Getting support

• In an emergency: SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a cell phone. Ambulance and fire on 10177.
• GBV Command Centre: 0800 428 428, for all genders, 24 hours a day.
• Lifeline South Africa: 0861 322 322, 24 hours a day.
• SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567, 24 hours a day.

You can also tell us what happened through an anonymous report at /report. It takes about five minutes and you don't need to give your name. An anonymous report to Men for Change is not the same as a police case and does not start an investigation, but it helps make the harm men face visible. If you would like support, tick the box when you report, or contact our support team at /contact?topic=support. More helplines are listed at /resources.