An online tool launched this month in Riley County makes it easier for victims of sexual assault to make reports and explore their options when opening a case.
According to the Riley County Police Department’s website, Seek Then Speak, created by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI), contains two functions: “Seek” helps victims “privately gather information and explore options for medical/forensic exams, supportive services, like advocacy and reporting to police,” while “Speak” is a “self-guided series of questions with prompts that lead survivors through careful documentation of the evidence that will be critical to an initial police report.”
Melissa Mosher, victim advocate at RCPD, said victims can present their Seek Then Speak report to police without verbally recounting their trauma.
“They could either email it into RCPD, or they can print it and hand deliver it to a patrol officer,” Mosher said. “It allows a victim to take their own time in their supportive comforts to be able to make a report. It also, from what we understand from EVAWI, could be a way for individuals to report that might not otherwise report to law enforcement.”
Mosher said Seek Then Speak uses trauma-informed language to shift the blame off of sexual assault victims.
“[We’re] wanting to recognize how difficult these reports are to make and want them to be sensitive and empowering, not re-traumatizing to the victim,” she said. “There is certain language that can be used, certain terms that can be used, that are very objective and forthcoming, that doesn’t shame a victim. … We want everybody to know that their report is going to be believed and that their voice is going to be heard.”
Seek Then Speak also allows users to keep their evidence and case information completely private.
“This is an online resource that can be done from your personal cell phone, a laptop, your iPad — it is safe and contained on that device,” Mosher said. “It’s not in a server. The information is saved to the cookie of your device. It is private and confidential.”
Mosher wants to emphasize that in-person reporting to RCPD is still recognized as most effective.
“Our department does believe that best practice is an in-person report, speaking directly to an officer, having that face-to-face communication with an officer or detective,” Mosher said. “However, we know that there are some situations and some incidents where that may be a barrier to somebody reporting.”
Riley County is only the second community in Kansas to offer Seek Then Speak reporting, after Kansas City.
“We honestly have no idea what to expect,” Mosher said. “We may get one report. We may get more reports. We just don’t know, but even if we get one report, and it’s helped one victim to be able to tell their story and to be able to share something traumatic that’s happened, that means it’s going to be worthwhile for our department to do that.”
After submitting a report using Seek Then Speak, Mosher said victims can expect to hear from a detective soon after.
“Victims do have a choice … at what level they want their sexual assault to be investigated. They would be paired up with a detective. The ‘Speak’ takes the place of that initial patrol report. You’re not going to have to tell your story again.”
Mosher said it’s important to note that RCPD can only investigate cases that fall under their jurisdiction.
“This resource is available for sexual assaults that would happen off campus or outside of Greek housing,” she said. “The K-State Police Department has been very supportive in this effort, but it isn’t something that they themselves are prepared to do for a sexual assault that would occur within the dormitory or within a fraternity or sorority.”
To utilize Seek Then Speak, visit rileycountypolice.org. Mosher also said victims can contact her to discuss cases before filing a formal complaint.
“I’m a social worker, not a police officer,” she said. “I am available for anyone who maybe is considering reporting or would like more information before reporting.”
