The decision to report the assault to law enforcement authorities is solely up to you. If you aren't sure whether or not you want to report the assault, you can still have evidence collected without being required to release it. You don't have to follow through with prosecution or report to any other agency even if you choose to have evidence collected. Having evidence collected does give you a wider range of options later if you decide you do want to press charges against the assailant(s). The evidence will be kept by the police until you do decide to file charges, which requires an officer to make a brief report without your name explaining why they are holding evidence. They will then wait for your decision. It is important for you to know, however, that even if you don't want to report the crime, the hospital must notify the police when any assault has occurred. The police should not press you for information. For information on what happens when you report to the police, click here.