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Victims of Sexual Assault

Experiencing rape and sexual assault is deeply traumatic. The Tooele City Police Department understands that reporting a sexual assault is incredibly difficult and is often underreported due to various reasons including fear of retaliation, the stigma surrounding sexual assault, and concerns regarding the reporting/investigative process.  The Tooele City Police Department is committed to investigating sexual assault reports through a survivor-centered and trauma informed approach; prioritizing the survivor’s safety, well-being, and dignity throughout the entire process.  To help survivors of sexual assault better understand their rights, provide access to resources, and navigate the reporting/investigative process, the Tooele City Police Department is providing the following information:

Guide for Victims of Sexual Assault
TCPD Sexual Assault Investigation Policy
What to Expect During a Sexual Assault Investigation
Initial Report- You can report a sexual assault by:
  • Calling 911 if you need immediate assistance
  • Calling Dispatch @ 435-882-5600 opt.1
  • Reporting from a hospital (MWMC will call Dispatch)
  • Meeting with Tooele City Advocates (they will walk you through the reporting process)

Initial Officer Response- In most instances, a patrol officer will respond to the survivor’s location to address the following:
  • Assess the health and safety needs of the victim
  • Create a brief report of the crime by asking basic questions to understand what happened and to help identify the suspect.
  • Collection and Preservation of evidence

Medical/Forensic Examination- An examination may be completed via medical providers.

Interview with Special Victims Detective- If you decide to continue with a police investigation, a Special Victims detective will by assigned to your case and they will schedule an interview with you.
  • Per trauma-informed best practices, the detective will typically wait for a few days or “sleep cycles” before reaching out to you.
  • They will ask for a full account of what happened and ask follow-up questions as needed.
  • They know this can be traumatic and will go at your pace. You can take breaks or ask for the interview to stop. You can also request a victim advocate be with you during the interview process.
  • The Special Victims Detective will present the case to the prosecutor for review and possible charges.

Evidence Collection and Follow-Up- If not already collected by a patrol officer, the special victims detective may collect different types of evidence including but not limited to:
  • Completed Code R Kit
  • Clothing, bedding, or personal items
  • If a drug-facilitated sexual assault is suspected, collection of blood/urine samples (if not collected as part of the Code R Kit).
  • Photos of injuries or of the scene
  • Messages, social media conversations, or call logs
  • Surveillance Video
  • Witness Statements

Victim Services- Victim Advocates may be provided at any phase of the process from before the initial report through case adjudication. Victim Advocates provide are available for support and help:
  • Prior to reporting
  • Initial report
  • During a forensic/medical exam
  • Special Victims Detective interview
  • During the prosecutor review process
  • Meeting with prosecutors
  • During any civil or criminal court processes (civil orders of protection or criminal charges court proceedings)
  • Additional support as needed
Victim Rights
Fundamental Rights- Victims and witnesses of crime have fundamental rights in the criminal justice process including the right to being treated with dignity and respect and be granted the right to information and protection (Utah Code 77-37).

  • Utah Code 77-37-3 Victims’ Bill of Rights can be found @ https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title77/Chapter37/77-37-S3.html
  • Specific Rights for sexual assault survivors can be found @ (Utah Code 77-37-3 (2)). For more information regarding these rights, please contact Tooele City Police Department Victim Services at 435-882-5938 or 435-882-5944.
Resources
Victim Services- Victim Advocates are available to help provide support, advocacy, resources and information.
  • Tooele City Police Department Victim Services
  • 435-882-5938 or 435-882-5944
  • Rape Recovery Helpline
  • 801-736-4356
  • Pathways Survivor Advocacy Center
  • Crisis Line- 435-231-3557
  • Center- 435-231-1005

Financial Assistance- Funds to help cover medical costs, counseling, lost wages and relocation may be available through the Utah Officer for Victims of Crime (UOVC). You can speak with an TCPD Victim Advocate or call UOVC @ 801-238-2360 for more information.  To apply online, go to: https://crimevictim.utah.gov/victim-financial-assistance/


Support Services- funding for mental health services may be available through UOVC.