PULLMAN, Wash. — The Pullman Police Department (PPD) announced their new Sexual Assault Investigative Team (SAIT).
PPD said the team consists of select officers and detectives who are specially trained for sexual assault, providing compassionate, trauma-informed care through the reporting process. According to PPD, the participation of officers is voluntary.
“According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Unfortunately, as few as one in five survivors seek help, leaving most perpetrators free to victimize others,” PPD said.
PPD also announced they will participate in two nationwide initiatives, which aim to transform the perception and response to sexual assault.
“The Start by Believing campaign signifies the agency’s pledge to believe and support survivors from the moment that they share their experiences, fostering an environment that encourages survivors to step forward, secure in the knowledge that they will be met with belief, respect, and action,” PPD said. “Seek Then Speak offers a compassionate and accessible pathway for survivors to report sexual assault and reflects the Pullman Police Department’s commitment to empowering survivors through autonomy over their journey to justice and healing.”
Seek then Speak also recognized the importance of allowing sexual assault survivors to navigate their interactions with law enforcement.
For more information, visit the Pullman Police Department’s website.
