Prosecutor’s office promotes new resource for reporting sexual assault
The Dubois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is promoting an online application that helps victims of sexual assault.
Seek Then Speak, https://www.seekthenspeak.app/, is a site designed to provide sexual assault victims or advocates with resources and assistance in reporting any assault to police. The website helps walk victims through the process of reporting while providing them with information to help them begin to process the trauma of sexual assault.
Due to the sensitive nature of these crimes, it doesn’t ask for identification and provides ways to discreetly leave the site quickly if a victim is interrupted while using the application.
The app is beneficial for victims in that it connects them with resources that they can use in the event they are sexually assaulted, as well as guides them through the types of questions that they would be asked if they report their sexual assaults.
“Essentially, it gives them an opportunity to collect and gather their thoughts before talking to the police,” said Prosecutor Beth Schroeder. “They can enter and exit the website as often as they would like without losing what they’ve typed. If they are typing it out themselves, they may be more likely to give a more thorough account of what occurred, given that they would be more comfortable typing it out than giving a statement to an officer at a police station or jail.”
Schroeder explained that the app will also help victims report crimes.
“Only about 5 to 20 percent of sexual assaults are reported to police,” she explained. “A big hurdle in getting victims to report is that they often do not feel that they will be believed.”
The new resource was introduced to Deputy Prosecutor Tiffany Houchin while she attended the International Conference on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and the Cycle of Justice on April 1-3, 2024. Houchin received a scholarship to attend.
This conference was a unique opportunity to connect with experts nationwide to discuss the latest research, policies, and best practices to end gender-based violence. A lineup of renowned speakers shared insights on a wide range of topics, including the impact of trauma on survivors, innovative criminal justice responses, and the latest advances in prevention and intervention.
By bringing this resource to the area’s attention, Schroeder hopes to provide victims with another outlet for reporting on their own terms.
“I am willing to try any tool that we can use to aid victims in feeling safe to report sexual assaults,” she said.
