ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Rape investigation

Rape is when someone is forced to have sex against their will, and it's a very serious and scary thing. When someone reports that they've been raped, the police start an investigation to make sure the person who did it is caught and held accountable for their actions.

The first thing that happens is the police will ask the person who was raped to talk about what happened. This can be really hard for them to do, but it's important for the police to understand exactly what happened so they can gather evidence and find the person who did it. The police might ask the person to describe what the person who attacked them looked like or what they were wearing, where it happened, and what the attacker said or did during the assault.

If the person has any physical injuries, the police will also take them to a doctor. The doctor will examine the person and document any injuries they find. This can help the police build their case against the attacker.

The police will also gather other evidence, such as DNA samples. They may take swabs from the person's body or clothing to see if they can find any genetic material that belongs to the attacker. They can also check for other evidence, like fingerprints, hairs or fibers that may help identify the attacker.

Meanwhile, the police will also start looking for the person who committed the assault. They might ask people who live in the area if they saw or heard anything strange around the time of the attack. They might look at surveillance footage from nearby stores or buildings to see if they can spot the attacker.

When they believe they have enough evidence to make an arrest, the police will apprehend the attacker and bring them to court. The person who was raped might need to testify in court and retell what happened to them. This can be difficult and scary for them, but it's a critical part of the investigation and necessary to get justice.

The rapist will then face charges for their actions, and if found guilty, they can face very serious consequences. If you or someone you know has been raped, it's important to know that help is available. You are not alone, and there are people who can support you through the process of reporting the assault and seeking justice.