Sexual Violence
Similar to domestic violence, anyone can be a victim of sexual violence regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. The majority of survivors identify as women. People from marginalized communities such as people of color, people with disabilities, transgender, and gender nonconforming individuals experience sexual assault at a higher rate than others.
DSVS Can Help
DSVS provides 100% free and confidential support to anyone who is experiencing or has experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, or stalking in Carbon or Stillwater Counties.
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is any type of sexual activity or contact you do not consent to.
Remember that only “YES!” means consent. Silence is not consent. If you are drunk or drugged, you cannot consent to sexual activity. A previous relationship, previous sexual activity or even a marriage license is not consent. Consent must be given with each encounter and for the duration of the encounter.
Assault may occur within an intimate relationship as a tactic of domestic or dating violence, at the hands of strangers, friends, or family members. However, most perpetrators of rape are someone known to the victim, such as acquaintance, co-worker, friend, family member, or partner.
Some Examples
- Rape or attempted rape (in which rape was the motive)
- Forcing a victim to engage in unwanted sexual acts
- Fondling or unwanted sexual touching (which includes groping, kissing, etc.)
- Unwanted sexual penetration (which could involve non-body parts or objects)
- Forced Sodomy
- Sexual contact with person who cannot legally consent
Feeling unsure?
If there’s no consent, then it’s always sexual violence.
Sexual Violence FAQ
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, the following FAQ section gives important information on next steps and options.
How do I contact the DSVS Helpline?
You can reach our 24/7 free and confidential Helpline at (406) 425-2222.
What is the difference between rape and sexual assault?
Montana differentiates between the crimes of sexual assault and rape. Rape is a specific kind of sexual assault defined as sexual intercourse without consent (SIWOC). Rape convictions generally carry more severe sentences in Montana.
Helpful Links:
Montana definition of sexual assault (45-5-502 MCA)
Montana definition of sexual intercourse without consent (45-5-503 MCA)
What are my options if I have been assaulted?
What should I do in the immediate aftermath of an assault?
1. Get to a safe place
2. Get medical attention as soon as possible
If you wish to report:
• Do not shower, bathe, douche, wash your hands, brush your teeth, or use a toilet (when possible)
• Don’t change or destroy clothing/bedding as that will be taken into evidence
• Bring clothes with you to the hospital to change into
• You can get a SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam)
This is a medical examination that assesses and provides treatment options for injuries and infections that may have been sustained due to an assault. It is also an extremely crucial step in collection of medical-forensic evidence for possible prosecution if you decide to report the crime. The kit that is collected from the examination will be stored for up to a year, which gives you that time to decide if you want to report. We can come with you.
Where do I need to go to get an examination?
Billings Clinic located at 2800 Tenth Avenue North in Billings. The phone number is 406-435-6101. We can drive you.
If I do decide to go to the hospital, does it automatically get reported to law enforcement?
No, you can seek medical attention with no report to law enforcement unless you are a minor.
How soon after the assault should I be examined?
For medical purposes, it is best to obtain treatment immediately in order to treat all injuries and to receive appropriate medications for possible infections. In order to obtain essential evidence for prosecution, if you wish to report, the exam must be performed within 5 days (120 hours) after the assault.
What happens if I do wish to report to law enforcement?
The hospital would contact the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction and the SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam) kit will be turned over to that agency. There will be an interview completed by the law enforcement agency which starts the investigation process.
How do I access medical help after an assault?
It’s up to you as a survivor to decide if you want medical attention or treatment following an assault. You may feel upset and be in a lot of pain even if you don’t have any physical signs of injury. Or, you may feel okay despite having visible signs of injury.
Some common physical signs of sexual assault include inner thigh bruising, arm bruising if you were restrained by the offender, and trauma to the genital area. Some physical signs like bleeding are obvious and might require medical attention. Other physical indicators like pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection may be detected days or even weeks after the assault. If you were strangled during an assault, you may experience some persistent complications that can be serious but hard to detect. Symptoms of injury following an assault may occur as long as five days or more after the incident.
Should you choose to seek medical assistance, we can help schedule the appointment and accompany you. You can reach our 24/7 free and confidential Helpline at (406) 425-2222. Alternatively, you can contact your healthcare provider independently, even if you opt out of a forensic exam or reporting to the authorities. In Carbon or Stillwater Counties, you can undergo a free forensic exam at the Emergency Department of Billings Clinic on 2800 Tenth Avenue North in Billings. If you prefer not to involve DSVS, you can contact them directly at 406-435-6101.
All forensic exams at Billings Clinic are conducted by a SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner) with special training in trauma-informed care and evidence collection. Exams can be performed up to 120 hours after the assault even if you’ve showered, washed your clothing, or combed your hair. These activities can potentially impact evidence but are not prohibitive if you cannot avoid them following an assault.
You can have a forensic exam and receive medical treatment at Billing’s Clinic without reporting to law enforcement, and any evidence collected during a forensic exam can also be saved and stored if you decide to report at a later date (see reporting options section below for more information).
What are my reporting options after an assault?
It’s up to you as a survivor to decide if you want to make a report to law enforcement or not. Not everyone chooses to report—there are valid reasons for that, and you may decide it’s not the best or safest option for you. Delayed reporting is also an option that gives you a chance to weigh the pros and cons of reporting based on your situation.
If you’re not sure whether you want to make a report, you have time to make that decision, and DSVS is here to help with free, confidential services for survivors that are available 24/7. Our advocates can help at any point to talk through options, offer support, and assist you in working with law enforcement if you choose to report an assault.
Reporting an Assault
You can report sexual assault to law enforcement by calling:
- 911 for emergencies
- Carbon County Sherriff’s Office: 406-446-1234
- Stillwater County Sheriff: 406-322-5326
Prosecution
Reporting a sexual assault to the police does not mean you have to move forward with criminal prosecution. The case will only be criminally charged if there is probable cause to charge AND you wish to move forward with criminal prosecution.
If making a delayed report feels like a good option for you and you were 18 or older at the time of an assault in Montana, there is a timeline of 10 years to proceed with criminal prosecution. There is no time limit to proceed with a criminal prosecution for victims who were under 18 years old at the time of the offense.
Do I have to pay for a forensic (SAFE) exam if I choose to have one after an assault?
No. Montana Department of Justice has programs that will pay healthcare providers for forensic rape examinations. The program that will cover the cost will depend on whether you choose to report to law enforcement or not, but you will not have to pay for the examination either way.
Survivors NOT Making an Immediate Report to Law Enforcement
Forensic Rape Examination Payment Program (FREPP) will pay healthcare providers for your hospital visit, treatment related to the assault (such as STI treatment and pregnancy prevention), and provider fees. Healthcare staff will take care of the billing process. If you receive any additional medical treatment during your visit, such as stitches or imaging for other injuries, you will be billed for that as you would at a regular doctor’s visit.
Survivors Making a Report to Law Enforcement
Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) provides funding to compensate victims who report and cooperate with law enforcement and ongoing prosecution. If approved, CVC applicants can use this program’s benefits to cover lost wages, therapy, and medical bills not covered by FREPP (like broken bones, stitches, and imaging). Secondary victims are also eligible for some CVC benefits.
As with FREPP, you will not have to pay for your forensic exam and healthcare staff will take care of the billing process. In addition to financial assistance for medical costs, CVC benefits can be applied to costs for mental health services like counseling. If you do not apply for CVC or are denied (which is possible but unlikely), you will be responsible for the cost of your hospital visit.
If you are left with any medical charges due to injuries sustained by the assault, DSVS can help you navigate the best plan of action to have those covered.
Helpful Links:
- Montana Crime Victims Compensation Act info and claim form (CVC)
- Montana Patient/victim service locations
- Montana Sexual Assault Kit Tracking System
- Forensic Rape Examination Payment Program (FREPP)
- Forensic Rape Examination Payment Program (FREPP) FAQs
What are some possible responses to sexual assault?
Survivor responses may vary broadly after experiencing a sexual assault.
Common Reactions include, but are not limited to:
- Anger – mad at themselves for letting it happen, others for not protecting them
- Guilt – somehow causing the rape
- Shame/Embarrassment
- Fear – of being attacked again, fear of being alone, in crowds
- Lack of Trust – lose their ability to trust own judgments and decisions, people
- Betrayal
- Powerlessness/Depression – lost control of body, suicidal, never get better
- Panic – jumpy, feels vulnerable
- Cleansing – attempting to wash away the dirtiness of the crime
- Sexual Problems – decrease in sexual interest, fear, and avoidance of sexual activity
- Nightmares – disturbed sleep patterns, reliving the event
- Social Problems – too anxious or depressed to engage in social activities
- Alcohol and Drug Use – turning to substances to kill the pain
- Denial – minimize the seriousness of the assault; it wasn’t that bad
- Rape Trauma Syndrome – a form of PTSD- includes the physical, emotional, and behavioral stress reactions that are common among sexual assault survivors
Other Reactions
- Self-Harm
- Flashbacks
- Depression
- Substance Use
- Dissociation
- Eating Disorders
- Sleep Disorders
- Suicide
Effects
Sexual Violence Can Have Long-Term Effects on Victims
- The likelihood that a person suffers suicidal or depressive thoughts increases after sexual violence
- 94% of women who are raped experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the two weeks following the rape
- 13% of women who are raped attempt suicide
- Approximately 70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe distress, a larger percentage than for any other violent crime
- People who have been sexually assaulted are more likely to use drugs than the general public
- Sexual violence also affects victims’ relationships with their family, friends, and co-workers
- Victims are at risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Char’s Story
*Wesley chattered excitedly about everything in his backpack, his three-year-old energy filling the air as *Char’s phone buzzed relentlessly with texts and missed calls. Distracted, it barely registered when he asked where they were going.
A woman fell into step beside them, walking in the same direction. She complimented Wesley’s Spider-Man Crocs, making Char feel a wave of relief—no judgment for dressing him in Crocs on a chilly day. The woman introduced herself as *Eva, and Char guessed she was in her mid-forties. Eva didn’t mention the constant buzzing of Char’s phone. Instead, she shared a bit about her own life, including how she’d recently left an abusive relationship. Char was struck by Eva’s openness, especially as she handled Wesley’s curious questions with ease. As Eva spoke, Char noticed disturbing similarities between Eva’s story and her own life with *Lee. Her phone rang again.
“It’s part of the control,” Eva said, glancing at the phone. “Constantly checking in, demanding you come home. They always apologize and promise it’ll be different—but you’ve heard that before, right?”
Eva mentioned DSVS and how they had helped her reclaim her peace. She offered to walk with Char to the DSVS office, chatting easily with the receptionist when they arrived. Soon, an advocate guided Char and Wesley into a private room. Wesley played with some toys as Char shared her story.
High school had been tough for Char. With her dad usually at the bar, she often had the house to herself. She dreamed of a future on her own, far from his drinking and moods. But meeting Lee had been a bright spot. They’d met their freshman year and been assigned lockers next to each other. He’d been her rock, the only real support she had known.
Then came the surprise of her senior year: Char was pregnant. Lee was thrilled, and they decided to build a life together. Lee took a job at the mine, while Char worked as a waitress. Their son, Wesley, became Char’s whole world—a bright, social child.
But most nights, when Char came home from work, she’d find Lee drunk or high. Then there was the recurring fight about finances. Char paid for groceries, rent, utilities—everything essential—from their shared bank account, while Lee kept a separate account for health insurance and his truck payment. Char would wonder, “Why are we always so broke? Why does it feel like I can’t properly feed and clothe my 3-year-old son when his dad has a good job?” But Lee was a hard worker and a good dad in his own way. She didn’t want to fight; their arguments only escalated and went unresolved.
One day, Char confronted Lee about their financial situation. He became enraged, called her a money-seeking whore, and kicked her out. She quietly loaded Wesly’s backpack as he screamed and broke things. She hoped that, from previous situations, he just needed some time to cool off. That’s when Eva found her.
The DSVS advocate helped Char recognize she had been experiencing psychological, emotional, and financial abuse for years. She was terrified she couldn’t provide Wesly with a secure home on her own. Because of Lee’s control, she had no savings, no transportation, no driver’s license, and had become isolated from family and friends.
The advocate described why she thought Char and Wesly were in a dangerous situation. Char had felt this deep down for a long time but dismissed it, mostly because Lee always told her she was overly dramatic. DSVS helped her file a temporary order of protection and placed Char and Wesly in an emergency shelter.
Lee was furious when Char left. He called law enforcement repeatedly, claiming his son had been kidnapped. DSVS and law enforcement worked together to keep Char and Wesly safe and their location secret.
Two weeks later, Char faced a challenging three-hour hearing for a permanent protection order. Her DSVS advocate was by her side in court, and a free consultation with Montana Legal Services had helped her prepare. Char was ready to see Lee, though he didn’t show. A coworker testified about the strain she’d seen in Char’s life, which helped the judge understand the risks. The judge extended the protection order for six months to give Char time to find housing, start divorce proceedings, and work on a parenting plan.
Char and Wesly spent Christmas and New Year’s in a shelter. Thanks to DSVS and local donors, they received gifts, which Char explained came from Santa. DSVS connected her with a lawyer for the divorce and custody arrangements, and Char began rebuilding her support network. With help from her family and donations from the community, she moved to a new city and found work within the first week of settling in.
Char couldn’t believe how strong she’d felt through the ordeal of leaving. A chance meeting with Eva had set her on this path, and with unwavering support from DSVS, her family, and the kindness of strangers, she felt ready for a new start.
*Names and events have been changed for confidentiality
Resources
Go here to learn more about the various resources DSVS has collected for you.
Healing Together
A free monthly community building event for survivors of sexual or domestic violence
Myths & Facts
Seperate fact from fiction. Learn more about the resources available to you as a survivor.
