Rape Resources

Tools

By Brenda Bassett

Story Published: May 17, 2010 at 5:25 AM MST

Story Updated: May 18, 2010 at 5:47 AM MST

BILLINGS - In the last 48 years, Montana has seen the number of rape cases jump from 48 to nearly 300, that's according to the Montana Law Enforcement Agency Uniform Crime Report. So far this year in Yellowstone County 37 rape cases have been reported. Officials say the numbers of unreported cases are much higher and it's something that needs to change.

The procedures that follow a sexual assault can also be difficult and time sensitive.
"Basically after a rape or sexual assault someone's body is the crime scene," said Angie Lancaster, the Sexual Assault Coordinator at Gateway House.

Getting to the hospital for a rape kit is necessary if the victim decides they want to report the crime. It's recommended they don't shower. If they change clothes, they're instructed to put them in a paper bag and bring them to the hospital. "I really would recommend that they come into report or even just to come into get the examine. If they really refuse to have law enforcement involved that okay. That's their choice," said Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Lyndie Jolly of Billings Clinic.

Billings Clinic is one of the only facilities in the state that does a full rape kit conducted by a Sexual Assault Nurse examiner. "It's centralized. All the nurses go there, all the advocates go there, all the victims go there, the cops know where to take a rape victim," said Lancaster

The kit contains different envelopes for each phase of the exam. Antibiotics are included to help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. "It's kind of a process as far as examining the patient, as far as collecting forensic evidence and providing medical treatment." The kits are later turned over to law enforcement or sent to the Department of Justice to be stored for sixty days while the victim decides whether they want to report the assault.

An advocate from the YWCA is always on call to be there to help provide information and options for the victim. "As an advocate I'm available pretty much whenever. I primarily go to the hospital for assault but if someone needs follow-up to talk about it afterwards we have that available at Gateway House.

Officials recommend a follow-up appointment with a regular physician to ensure all other health matters are handled appropriately.

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Sissy123 said on Tuesday, Dec 21 at 1:02 AM

I took a child into the police station in Colstrip montana and they didnt have a rape kit in town! Which caused more stress to the victem.

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