Sexual Assault Services
Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy Services
Sexual assault survivors who seek support at Peace House or at the Park City Hospital are met by a community-based advocate who offers crisis intervention and support while interacting with law enforcement and a sexual assault nurse examiner. This program aims to support survivors of sexual violence both within and outside the context of domestic violence. Sexual assault survivors may be youth or adults, both male and female, and of varying backgrounds. Peace House advocates specialize in supporting survivors with a focus on restoring choice, dignity, and respect as they navigate the aftermath of trauma. Advocates’ primary objectives are to provide emotional support, educate survivors of their rights as victims of crime, and support survivors before, during, and after their hospital visit. The advocates then refer to our support services programs—such as counseling, legal advocacy, and housing referrals—to further address the safety and healing needs of sexual assault survivors.
Peace House advocates are subject to mandatory reporting laws usually affecting those younger than 18 of age, those older than 65 years of age and dependent adults.
Statistics
The Utah Department of Health states that one in six women and one in 25 men experiencing rape or attempted rape in their lifetime and nearly 1 in 3 women will experience some form of sexual violence during their lives.
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence or sexual assault, please call Peace House’s 24/7 HELPLINE at 1-800-647-9161 to speak with a professional, trained advocate.
Hospital Response Team
In April 2019, Wasatch Forensic Nurses approached Peace House to provide a hospital advocacy response team. At that time, victims of sexual assault in Summit County were being referred to Salt Lake valley hospitals or clinics for forensic exams, creating additional barriers for survivors in accessing critical care or evidence collection after a rape or assault. Forensic nurses provide the medical and forensic exam care while an advocate attends the exam to provide emotional support, information and resources.
Peace House worked with its collaborative partners including Wasatch Forensic Nurses, the Summit County Attorney’s Office, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, and Park City Police Department while building a pilot Hospital Advocacy Response Team program. In September 2020, Peace House launched the pilot program in Summit County after hiring a Sexual Assault Services Coordinator. Since that time, Peace House advocates have responded to 33 forensic exams to provide emotional support, resources and referrals to assist victims while they navigate the impact of sexual assault on their lives.
Peace House is seeking volunteers to ensure that its expanded sexual assault support services keep pace with the need in the community. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering for our sexual assault programming, please contact our Sexual Assault Services Coordinator, Heather Dinsmore directly at heather@peacehouse.org or on (435) 658-4739 x 108.