裁判所に訴える
file a suit with the court 《against somebody for something》
bring an action in the court 《against somebody for something》
警察に訴える
lay a complaint before the police
lodge [file] a complaint with the police
頭痛を訴える
complain of a headache.
世論に訴える
【形式ばった表現】 resort to [have recourse to] violence.