Seek Then Speak

Seek then Speak Logo

If you are 18 years or older and have been sexually assaulted in the City of Spokane, there is a new reporting option available, if you choose.

SEEK THEN SPEAK is a tool to support survivors of sexual assault to explore their options, connect with local resources, and begin the process of reporting their sexual assault.

Seek

SEEK is a tool designed to help survivors privately gather information and explore your options for medical care, supportive services, and reporting to police.

SEEK* discusses the role of different individuals who can provide you support such as victim advocates, medical professionals, law enforcement, and addresses real-world questions survivors may have around forensic exams, crime victim rights, and more.

*SEEK THEN SPEAK is a national resource developed to serve survivors across the US, so some information specific to your local area may not be available. Please refer to the list of local resources on the Seek Then Speak Washington page.

Speak

Survivors can start the reporting process in SPEAK, a self-guided interview where you can share as much or as little information as you feel comfortable with. When you finish, it creates a downloadable PDF, which you can choose to save for your own reference or forward to law enforcement. For your privacy, the site will prompt you to clear your data after downloading your report.

If you decide to share your report with the Spokane Police Department, you can send it to SPDRecordsDataEntry@spokanepolice.org or call Crime Check at 509.456.2233. With Crime Check, you can make a report and they will send you a link where you can upload your PDF.

SPD will review your report, assessing your wishes along with solvability factors, and may open an official investigation. It’s important to note that once submitted either in person or via email, it will become part of the official police record and eventually the public record. That means police and prosecutors will be able to read it and, if the case ever goes to court, so will the defense attorney and the judge. It also means you or a member of the community may request a copy of the record that will have names and other identifying information removed for privacy, in accordance with the Public Records Act. That won’t happen right away, but it’s important to understand.

To begin a Seek Then Speak report now, please visit this webpage.

Visit the Seek Then Speak Washington website to gather information or begin a report.

When to Use Seek Then Speak

The Seek Then Speak tool is designed for use when circumstances do not require urgent law enforcement response.

Call 911 if you are in imminent danger or need immediate and urgent medical attention.

Quick Reference

Immediately Following a Sexual Assault in Spokane

This section provides information for individuals who have recently experienced a sexual assault. It outlines options for reporting the incident, seeking medical care, and understanding what to expect during the early stages of the process.

Whether or not you choose to involve law enforcement, you have the right to access care and support. The resources below are designed to help you make informed decisions based on your individual needs and circumstances.

Note: Not all reports received will be assigned for investigative follow-up. If your case is not assigned to a detective, you will be notified.

Reporting Sexual Assault
Emergency – Call 911
  • If this was a recent assault, get medical care immediately. Hospital staff can assist you with calling 911 if you wish.
  • If you are not in immediate danger and the assault happened in the past, you can just say, “It is not an emergency, but I want to report a sexual assault…” You also have the option of calling Crime Check to report non-emergencies. See below for the Crime Check option.
  • It is best to call and wait for police somewhere that is comfortable for you. The patrol officer(s) will arrive based on current priority calls.
  • Choose a place where you will be able to give an initial statement to officers. If you go to a police precinct, be aware that you may have to wait for patrol officers to respond there.
Crime Check—Non-Emergency
  • To file a report that does not need immediate police response, please call Crime Check at 509.456.2233.
  • If you would like to file your report for documentation, but do not want any follow-up from law enforcement, please let Crime Check know.
  • After completing your report, Crime Check will send you a link that will allow you to upload your Seek Then Speak PDF.
Email Seek Then Speak PDF to SPD
  • If you do not wish to have same-day officer contact, or to speak with Crime Check, please email your PDF to SPDRecordsDataEntry@spokanepolice.org. This will allow your report to be forwarded to a supervisor to review.
  • It may take several business days before there is any follow-up from law enforcement.
  • A supervisor will review the initial report and make a determination if your case will be assigned to a detective for follow-up investigation.
  • The SPD Crime Victim Advocate will reach out to you if you indicated you did not want to be anonymous, to let you know your report has been received and can provide you with a variety of resources.
What Happens After I Make an Initial Report?
  • If you submitted your report through Crime Check, an officer will contact you (if available). They may need to gather additional information and collect evidence such as clothing, bedding, etc.
  • If you submitted your report to SPDRecordsDataEntry@spokanepolice.org, a supervisor will review the initial report and make a determination if your case will be assigned to a detective for follow-up investigation. If the case is assigned, your detective will contact you.
  • The role of the detective is to gather evidence, including statements from victims, witnesses, and the suspect.
What is a Victim Advocate?
  • The role of the advocate is to provide you with support and resources throughout the investigation and criminal justice process.
  • In addition to providing you with emotional support, your advocate can accompany you during interviews, keep you informed of the status of the case, and provide you with counseling/community resources.
Getting Medical Care After a Sexual Assault
What Are My Medical Care Choices?

There are two options for medical care available to you:

  • General medical care without a Sexual Assault Kit
  • Medical care with a Sexual Assault Kit (SAK)

Note: A Sexual Assault Kit is usually conducted by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). You don't have to decide which choice you want before you go to a hospital. Staff at the hospital can help with some of your decision making. You don't need to make a police report to receive a SANE exam.

What Does General Medical Care Offer?
  • A physical exam to check for injuries
  • Testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Medications to prevent HIV and other STIs
  • Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy
  • Toxicology testing is only done as part of a forensic exam. If you think you were drugged, please notify your doctor.
What Does a Sexual Assault Kit Entail?

Not all hospitals provide Sexual Assault Kits (SAK). If you want evidence collected along with medical care, you must go to a hospital with trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE).

You do not have to make a police report to receive a SANE exam.

  • A SANE exam preserves evidence while you decide whether or not to report to police
  • SANE exams are free
  • You may bring a friend or family member with you
  • Evidence is best collected within 120 hours (five days) of the assault
  • A SANE nurse will walk you through each step of the exam

Find the nearest medical facility that offers sexual assault exams and view frequently asked questions: WASAFE Sexual Assault Medical Exams

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are My Rights?

Crime Victim Compensation

Immediate Services or Support

Legal Support

Counseling and Mental Health Support

Sexual Assault and Legal Advocacy

Other Resources

Know the Number

Know the Number flyer

Emergency Services
Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE from Police, Fire or ambulance: call 911

Mental Health Crisis
Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE by phone from trained mental health counselors: call 988

Crime Check
Non-emergency police services: call 509.456.2233 to report crimes no longer in process or submit crime tips.
Crime Check Online Reporting also available.

City Services
Non-emergency reporting of potholes, graffiti, or unlawful camping, utility billing, and general information on city services: call 311 or report online

Social Services
Social services and community resources like housing, food, and employment help: call 211

For general police email contact:
SPDWebMail@spokanepolice.org