How to Report a Rideshare Sexual Assault: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Every step you take is important. Reporting a sexual assault in a rideshare—whether on Uber, Lyft, or another service—can be overwhelming, but this guide walks you through clearly, calmly, and supportively.

Rideshare sexual abuse and assault

We can help answer your questions and connect you with an attorney if you may have a case.

STEP 1: Report Immediately Within the Rideshare App

Uber

Open the Uber app.
Tap Your Trips, select the ride.
Tap Help → Safety, select “Report safety issue” then “Sexual misconduct.”
Describe what happened, include dates, times, and locations.
Submit screenshots of ride details, driver name, car model/plate if available.

Lyft

In the Lyft app, go to Ride History, choose the ride.
Tap Report a safety issue, then “Sexual misconduct.”
Write your account clearly and attach screenshots/screens.
Lyft may follow up via email or phone.

Posting a report in-app instantly alerts the company. Expect them to connect personally with you within 24–48 hours. Having screenshots or receipts helps improve follow-through.

STEP 2: Call Local Police

Reporting to law enforcement ensures there’s an official record and the chance for an investigation.

If you’re in New York City:

For emergencies or ongoing danger, dial 911.
For non-emergencies, contact your local precinct.
NYPD Victim Services provides:
Free rides to precincts or courtrooms if needed
Sign-language interpreters for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals

If you’re outside NYC (or it’s not immediate):

Locate your local police station online.
Ask for the “victim’s services officer” or detective assigned to sexual assault.

Give date, time, exact location, driver info (name, license plate), and any screenshots or ride confirmation numbers.
Request a copy of the report (a police case number) and the name/phone of the detective handling it.

STEP 3: Reach Out to New York Support Hotlines and Services

Reporting can feel isolating. These services are free, confidential, and ready to support you 24/7.

NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline: Call 1‑800‑942‑6906 or text 844‑997‑2121. They offer counseling, safety planning, and referrals.

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): 24/7 confidential chat and phone service online.

NYS Office of Victim Services (OVS): Offers financial reimbursement for medical or counseling costs: call 1‑800‑247‑8035

STEP 4: Preserve Evidence

Right now, every piece of evidence matters. Store everything safely:

Ride receipts and trip summaries
Screenshots of app messages or location maps
Photos of injuries, clothing, or personal items
Medical exam reports, if you visit a hospital or sexual assault response center (SANE exam)
Store copies securely—in your personal email, a cloud drive, or a locked folder on your phone.

STEP 5: Get Medical and Emotional Support

Physical health: Seek a SANE exam at a hospital—no police report or insurance needed.
Mental health: Connect with hotlines, counselors, social workers, or trusted friends or family.
Advocacy groups: Services like the NYS Hotline offer legal and emotional guidance.

STEP 6: Notify Rideshare Insurance and Seek Help

Most rideshare services include insurance covering personal injury and sexual assault.

After your police report and app notification:

Email or call Uber/Lyft support to confirm their internal reporting and insurance process.
Some cases qualify under “sexual battery insurance coverage.”

They may require:

Police case number
Trip receipt and details
Documentation of injuries

What to Expect Next

Company investigation: Uber or Lyft may temporarily deactivate the driver or file an internal action.
Police investigation: Law enforcement may follow up with questions or request documents/photos.
Victim compensation: OVS can reimburse for out-of-pocket expenses (counseling, therapy, etc.).
Follow-ups:
- Keep police informed of new evidence or developments.
- Track your compensation claim and rideshare insurance.
- Stay in touch with hotline support—they can guide you further.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I report anonymously?

A: In-app reports are confidential. Police usually need your name/contact.

Q: How long do I have to report?

A: Rideshare apps often let you report up to 30 days after. Police statutory limits vary—some sexual assault crimes have no deadline.

Q: Will my employer/insurance find out?

A: Only if you share info. Apps and hotlines keep your report confidential unless required by law.

Q: What if I’m out of state but the ride was in NY?

A: Report using the app, then contact the NY jurisdiction’s police or the NY State Hotline. Support remains available 24/7.

For more Rideshare Assault FAQs, visit https://survivorsjustice.org/faqs-rideshare-sexual-assault/

Quick Checklist

Keep this checklist handy on your phone or computer:

Report in app: Uber or Lyft
Contact NYPD (911 or precinct)
Call NYS Domestic/Sexual Violence Hotline
Call OVS (1‑800‑247‑8035) for compensation
Gather evidence: trip receipt, screenshots, photos
Get medical exam (SANE) if desired
Notify rideshare insurance company/support
Stay in contact with police, hotlines & OVS

You’re Not Alone

Reporting is tough—and brave. These steps are in place so you’re heard, supported, and protected. You have the right to safety, dignity, and justice. Each step you take reduces fear and increases accountability.

Reach out when and how you feel ready—hotlines are available 24/7. If you need help organizing evidence or talking to police, advocacy groups are ready.

Remember: You are seen, you are valued, and what happened is not your fault. This guide is here to make a difficult process clearer, one step at a time.

New York City Police Department – Victim Services. Victim Services Brochure. https://www.nyc.gov/assets/nypd/downloads/pdf/services/victim-services-brochure.pdf
NYPD Victim Services Portal. Victim Support Services. https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/victim-services/victim-services.page
New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS). Home Page. Retrieved from: https://ovs.ny.gov
OVS – Rights of Crime Victims. Know Your Rights. https://ovs.ny.gov/ovs-rights-victims
New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV). Get Help – Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline. Retrieved from: https://opdv.ny.gov/help
RAINN – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. National Sexual Assault Hotline. https://www.rainn.org
RAINN Online Chat Service. 24/7 Confidential Chat. https://hotline.rainn.org/online
Uber Safety Report. U.S. Safety Report & Misconduct Reporting. https://www.uber.com/us/en/about/reports/us-safety-report
Uber Help Center – Safety Concerns. How to Report a Safety Incident. Retrieved from: https://help.uber.com/riders/article/safety-concerns?nodeId=bae5ed05-62de-4b66-85cb-79ff1cbb3d61
Uber Safety Overview. Safety Features and Resources. https://www.uber.com/us/en/safety
Lyft Help Center – Safety Issues. Report a Safety Issue or Accident. https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/articles/115013081548
Lyft Safety Portal. Safety Features and Commitments. https://www.lyft.com/safety
Lyft Help Center – How to Report. Report a Safety Issue. https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/articles/115012926347-Report-a-safety-issue-or-accident
RAINN – Evidence Collection. Understanding the Rape Kit. https://www.rainn.org/articles/rape-kit
U.S. Department of Justice – Office for Victims of Crime. SANE/SART Center. https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/sane/sart-center

Take Back Control. Start TODAY.

Being assaulted by a Lyft or Uber driver is not your fault. You deserve answers. You deserve advocacy. And most of all—you deserve justice.

Let us help you move forward.

Contact Survivors Justice now for your free, private consultation.