SPD launches alternative reporting option for sexual assault survivors

The Spokane Police Department (SPD) launched Seek Then Speak, an alternative reporting option aimed at supporting sexual assault survivors. This national resource enables survivors and their support networks to gather crucial information about medical care, supportive services, and reporting procedures. Survivors aged 18 and older can engage in a self-guided interview that educates them on their rights and the importance of specific information requested. Upon completion, survivors receive a PDF of their responses, which they can either store privately or submit to law enforcement. This initiative enhances the support available to survivors in Spokane, ensuring they have a confidential and accessible pathway to resources.

Seek Then Speak operates under the premise that it should not be used in situations requiring immediate law enforcement intervention. The program aligns with efforts from Ending Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) to improve resources for survivors nationwide. This new option represents a significant step forward in addressing the needs of sexual assault survivors in the community.