Understanding your options is not the same as committing to them. You can read everything here and talk to an advocate — without filing a report or making any decision at all.
Reporting harm in a faith context carries specific fears most reporting processes weren't designed to address. Tap any that reflect where you are.
These apply whether or not you ever make a formal report.
You can reach out to One SAFE Place without giving your name. You do not have to identify yourself to access support, information, or advocacy services.
For childhood sexual abuse in California, you may report until age 40 — or within 5 years of discovering a connection to psychological injury. Adult timelines vary. Ask an advocate or attorney before assuming it's too late.
Criminal charges are filed by the DA, not you. But civil claims can be filed independently. An advocate can connect you with legal resources to explore both.
California Penal Code 11166 requires certain professionals to report suspected child abuse. If you're a mandated reporter, you have no discretion — but it also means the report is yours to make, not the institution's.
You can report suspected abuse of another person, including a child. You do not need to be the victim to make a report.
As a crime victim you may qualify for financial support through California's Victim Compensation program — covering counseling, medical costs, lost wages, and more.
Plain answers. No legal jargon.
You can call OSP's crisis line and speak with an advocate without giving your name. However, a formal law enforcement report — one that could result in criminal charges — requires your identity. Civil claims also require you to be named. Your advocate can walk through what each path looks like.
An officer takes your statement. For sexual assault, you may be referred to a SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) for an exam. The case goes to detectives, then potentially to the DA. You can request updates and have an advocate present at every step. Nothing forces you to testify. The DA — not you — decides whether to prosecute.
Not necessarily. If you report to law enforcement, the investigation may contact the institution as part of the process — but the report itself is confidential. If you report through an independent body (like the DA's office or sheriff), the institution is not notified until an investigation is underway.
Spiritual abuse — using religious authority to coerce, manipulate, or control — is not currently a standalone criminal category in California. However, it often co-occurs with conduct that is criminal (harassment, financial fraud, sexual assault). An advocate can help you identify what may have legal remedies and what doesn't.
This is one of the most urgent reasons to report. Reporting creates a record — even if no criminal charges follow — and may trigger denominational review processes. If you believe someone is an ongoing risk to others, speak with an advocate about the options available to you.
In California, clergy are mandated reporters for child abuse if they received the disclosure in a professional capacity outside the confessional. If a child discloses abuse to you in a pastoral counseling context, you are required to report. For adult disclosures, you are not legally required to report but may choose to — and should always connect the person with professional support.
You can call OSP first — we'll help you decide who to contact and can accompany you.
An OSP advocate can walk through your specific situation, help you understand your options, and be with you every step of the way — at no cost to you.
You don't have to do this alone. OSP can connect you with an advocate who will be present with you during this process — at no cost and with complete confidentiality.
The steps below describe what a law enforcement report typically looks like. The process can vary depending on who you contact and what happened. Your advocate will help you navigate it.
Reports involving minors may be handled by Children's Legacy Center, which conducts forensic interviews in a child-safe environment. Contact OSP or CLC directly: childrenslegacycenter.org
Before contacting law enforcement, we recommend calling OSP. An advocate can help you decide who to contact, prepare your statement, and be present with you during any interviews.
Who you call depends on where the harm occurred. For events inside the City of Redding, contact RPD. For unincorporated Shasta County, contact the Sheriff. For questions about prosecution, contact the DA.
An officer will take your account of what happened. You can have an OSP advocate present. You are not required to have every detail — report what you know. You can provide more information later.
For recent sexual assault, a forensic medical exam may be available. This can preserve evidence even if you're not sure you want to press charges. The exam is conducted by a trained SART nurse.
The case goes to detectives, then to the DA's office. The District Attorney — not you — decides whether to file criminal charges. You can request updates and have continued advocate support throughout.
Call OSP first. An advocate will walk you through your specific situation, answer every question, and be with you through the process.