Bozeman P.D.’s Special Victims’ Unit To Host Sexual Assault Awareness Night On April 15th

Bozeman, Mont. — The Bozeman Police Department’s Special Victims Unit recently announced on their Facebook Page that they will be hosting a sexual assault awareness night on April 15 from 6-8 p.m. at the Bozeman Public Safety Center.  

The event will focus on how community members can recognize the signs of sexual assault and what steps they can take if they are presented with that danger.  

Officer Shay Stephens, an officer within the Special Victims’ Unit of the Bozeman Police Department, explained how the specialty unit investigates sex crimes as part of its work.  

“So, it is nice, like to let people know ‘hey, this stuff does happen here. Here are the numbers and this is how we investigate it. It’s not just all you know, rainbows and daises. There are some sad and dark things that happen here, and it’s our job to inform the public of that,” Stephens said.  

Stephens says the April 15 event is also meant to help people learn about the signs of sexual violence and understand what resources are available.  

“We just want people to know ‘we are here, this is our job, we would love to help you, if you want that help. And if you don’t want help right now, we’re working all the time, so call us in the future if you do want that type of help,” Stephens said.  

In partnership with Bozeman P.D., the upcoming event is also expected to highlight the work of the Sexual Assault Counseling Center. 

Stephens says that while officers from the Special Victims Unit will be present at next week’s event, community advocates from the Counseling Center are also planning to be in attendance.  

A community advocate who works for the Sexual Assault Counseling Center, McKenly Hayes, says the center supports victims and survivors through their work.  

Hayes also stated that the counseling center can provide support for various scenarios regarding sexual violence. Support through the counseling center is offered for recent cases of sexual violence but also instances throughout any point in a victims’ life.  

“Awareness really makes sure that we are connecting people with support after the fact, and also de-stigmatizing it in that when someone talks about what has happened to them, or we know there are services that help after that, people are not afraid to get support, and can start their healing journey much sooner,” Hayes said.  

The Sexual Assault Counseling Center’s resources are available for sexual assault victims and secondary survivors through its crisis line at (406) 586-3333.