Sexual Assault Resources
Immediate Steps After an Assault
The first priority for any survivor is personal safety. If someone is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical care, calling 911 is the most important step. Emergency responders can help ensure physical safety and connect the survivor with medical attention. If the situation is not urgent, the survivor may still want to consider seeking medical support as soon as possible.
Survivors who feel able to do so should avoid washing, showering, brushing their teeth, changing clothes, or disturbing the location where the assault occurred. These actions can unintentionally remove evidence that may be important later. If clothing does need to be changed, the items worn during the assault should be placed in a paper bag if possible, because plastic bags can trap moisture and damage evidence. Bringing an extra change of clothes to the hospital is also helpful because medical professionals may need to keep items worn during the assault.
Many survivors worry that seeking medical care willautomatically involve law enforcement. In Montana, a survivor can receivemedical care, including a forensic exam, without being required to file apolice report. This gives survivors the time and space they need to considertheir options.
Sexual Assault Forensic Exams and Why They Matter
One of the most important resources available to survivors is the Sexual Assault Forensic Exam, often called a SAFE exam or rape kit. This exam is free, and survivors do not have to report the assault to law enforcement in order to receive one. In Missoula, the SAFE exam is available at the First STEP Resource Center, located within Providence St. Patrick Hospital. First STEP operates 24 hours a day and provides trauma-informed medical evaluations, forensic interviews, and evidence collection for both adults and children. The center can be reached at 406-329-5776.
A SAFE exam is one of the most effective ways to preserve physical evidence after an assault. It is best completed as soon as possible, ideally within 24 to 72 hours, although exams may be useful even after that time window. The exam is performed by a specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, known as a SANE nurse. These nurses provide compassionate care and understand how to collect evidence in a manner that supports any future legal action the survivor may choose to pursue.
Survivors may worry about the exam itself. While it is adetailed medical process, the survivor is in control at every step and to stop or decline any part of the exam.
Understanding Your Rights
Survivors of sexual assault have important legal protections in Montana. Beyond the right to receive medical care and evidence collection without reporting the assault, survivors can also request support from an advocate. Advocates are trained professionals who can provide emotional support, help explain options, assist with filing protection orders, and ccompany survivors during interactions with law enforcement or court proceedings. The Crime Victim Advocates Office in Missoula offers theseservices and can be reached at 406-258-3830.
Montana also has a Crime Victim Compensation Fund. This fundmay help survivors with expenses related to medical care, counseling, lostwages, or other costs associated with the assault. Compensation may be awardedeven if the offender is not arrested or prosecuted. Survivors can receive up totwenty five thousand dollars in assistance depending on the circumstances.
Local Missoula Resources
Missoula has a strong network of organizations dedicated tosupporting survivors. These services are confidential and available to anyoneexperiencing sexual violence.
First STEP Resource Center
Provides medical evaluations, forensic exams, interviews, and referrals forboth children and adults.
Phone: 406-329-5776 (available 24 hours).
YWCA Missoula Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
Offers a 24 hour crisis line, counseling, support groups, walk in advocacy, andemergency shelter.
Crisis Line: 406-542-1944 or 1-800-483-7858.
Crime Victim Advocates of Missoula County
Helps survivors understand their rights, navigate the legal system, and accesscourt support or protection orders.
Phone: 406-258-3830.
University of Montana Student Advocacy Resource Center(SARC)
Provides confidential support, counseling, advocacy, and academicaccommodations for students.
Phone: 406-243-6559.
These organizations prioritize safety, privacy, andempowerment. They can help survivors make decisions that feel right for them atany stage.
Statewide and National Support
For survivors outside Missoula, or for those who prefer tocontact state or national services, there are several options:
Montana Sexual Assault Response Network (SARN)
Oversees sexual assault kit tracking, supports forensic exam funding, andcoordinates statewide resources.
Contact: 406-444-9869.
Montana Office of Victim Services
Provides statewide advocacy, legal support, and referrals.
Helpline: 406-444-0447 or 1-888-223-6332.
National Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline
Provides confidential, round-the-clock support and access to local resources.
Phone: 1-800-799-7233.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network)
The largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States. They offera 24 hour hotline and online chat support.
Phone: 1-800-656-4673.
These hotlines are staffed by trained advocates who provideconfidential support and guidance for survivors who may not be ready to reachout to local agencies yet.
How Ryan, Miller and Coburn Can Support Survivors
Our firm is not a crisis response organization. However, weplay an important role in helping survivors understand their legal options andthe rights they have under Montana law. Some survivors may be unsure about thelegal process, the difference between civil and criminal actions, or what toexpect if they choose to report the assault. We can answer these questions,help clarify next steps, and connect individuals to the appropriate advocacy orvictim services.
Our approach is centered on compassion, privacy, andrespect. Survivors deserve support from professionals who take theirexperiences seriously and communicate with care. Whether someone has alreadycontacted law enforcement or is simply exploring their rights, our team isready to provide guidance.
Conclusion
Survivors of sexual assault deserve immediate support,accurate information, and compassionate care. Knowing what steps to take andwhere to find help can make a significant difference during a time ofoverwhelming fear and uncertainty. Missoula and Montana have strong networks ofmedical, legal, and emotional support that are available around the clock. Noone should have to navigate this experience alone, and every survivor shouldfeel empowered to make the decisions that feel right for them.
If you or someone you know needs help understandingavailable legal options or connecting with local resources, Ryan, Miller andCoburn is here to support you through every step of the process.
