Police form team to investigate sexual assaults

May 1—The Pullman Police Department has announced a new sexual assault investigative team.

The group will be composed of patrol officers and detectives who are specially trained to provide survivors with trauma-informed care, according to a news release by the Pullman Police Department delivered Monday. They are participating on the team voluntarily.

It will also participate in two nationwide initiatives as an effort to change societal perceptions to sexual assault. The first, "Start by Believing," campaign pledges to support survivors when they share their experiences, and to create a safe environment that ensures they are met with belief, respect and action, according to the news release.

The second initiative, "Seek Then Speak," offers a compassionate, accessible pathway for survivors to report sexual assault. It reflects the agency's commitment to empower survivors through autonomy over their journey to justice and healing, according to the release.

This program recognizes the importance of allowing survivors to navigate interactions with law enforcement and support services on their own terms, certifying their needs and boundaries are respected, according to the news release.

Someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds, and only one in five survivors seeks help, according to the news release. Pullman police is dedicated to changing these statistics, beginning with the Pullman community.

Sexual assault has lasting impacts felt in countless lives every day, according to the news release. The department said it is proud to work alongside survivors to secure a safer future.

Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com.