The Missoula Police Department and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office are committed to providing compassionate, confidential and effective services to victims of sexual assault to address safety, welfare and recovery. They ensure public safety, investigate crimes, preserve evidence and identify offenders. Each department recognizes the complexity of these cases and the trauma experienced by victims. When calling 911, the dispatcher determines the appropriate officer based on the location of the crime. Whether the responding officer is with the Missoula Police or the County Sheriff’s Office, duties, responsibilities and actions are the same.

How to reach them:  Call or text 911

How they will respond:

Law enforcement officers respond 24 hours a day for emergency and nonemergency reports of sexual assault. Victims can walk into the Missoula Police Department (435 Ryman Street) or Missoula County Sheriff’s Office (2415 Mullan Road) 24 hours a day, and an officer or deputy will speak to the victim. Responding officers will show understanding, patience and respect for the victim and will:

• Get emergency medical attention as needed.
• Contact an advocate for initial and ongoing support.
• Explain the options and resources and answer questions.
• Provide victims with resources and contact numbers.

First Step Resource Center provides no-cost services for children, families, and adults who may have experienced sexual assault or child abuse. 

How to reach them:

Call 406-329-5776 (open 24/7). If no one answers, no answer, press 0 to be transferred to the emergency department and connect with the on-call examiner.

What they can do for you:

• Medical care, including lab tests and medication to prevent sexually transmitted infections
• Evidence collection, also called a rape kit, where an examiner collections swabs for DNA, urine or blood
• Mental health screening, treatments and referrals

The YWCA Pathways Program provides 24-hour support to individuals who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking and stalking. The services offered include crisis counseling via the 24-hour crisis line and/or in-person peer counseling, safe shelter, support groups and an in-house licensed therapist.

How to reach them: 

Call 406-524-1944 or 1-800-483-7858

What they can do for you:

• 24-hour crisis line staffed by advocates who offer emotional support, information and referrals.
• In-person support is available from advocates at the YWCA office at 1800 South 3rd St. W in Missoula
• Shelter: A 60-day shelter program is available for all genders and children who are in danger due to a sexual assault, domestic violence, or stalking, in Missoula, Mineral and Granite Counties, and Lower Lake County up to Arlee, Upper Ravalli County to Florence, and the Browning Domestic Violence Program.
  • Short-term shelter (up to three weeks) may be available outside of the service area, if space allows.

The Missoula Crime Victim Advocate Program offers free and confidential support to victims of violent crimes, including sexual assault. Their support aims to empower and assist sexual assault survivors by ensuring their rights to information, fair treatment and restitution are upheld. They offer assistance regardless of whether you choose to report to law enforcement, are unsure about reporting or the case is under investigation. 

How to reach them:

Click here for contact information and office hours.

What they can do for you:

• Listen to you and provide a safe, confidential space.
• Explain options and how the court process works.
• Provide resources and information about normal feelings and
  responses to being sexually assaulted.
• Go with you to make a police report.
• Help you get a Temporary Order of Protection (TOP).
• Assist with the court hearing.

The prosecutors in the Criminal Division of the Missoula County Attorney’s Office are responsible for prosecuting all felony sexual crimes that occur anywhere within Missoula County, as well as all misdemeanor sexual crimes that take place outside the city limits of Missoula. The Criminal Division also handles the prosecution of individuals under the age of 18 in Youth Court.

How to reach them:

Click here for contact information.

University students can use any of the above resources or the dedicated teams on campus. The University of Montana is committed to preventing and addressing the effects of sexual assault. Sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, stalking, relationship violence and retaliation involving UM students— whether it occurs on or off campus. UM students have the right to pursue their education free from the effects of sexual violence and any ongoing harassment. 

Who can help you:

• Student Advocacy Resource Center (SARC) 
  • What they do: The Student Advocacy Resource Center provides confidential, free and safe services to UM student survivors of discrimination, stalking, sexual and/or relationship violence.
  • How to contact them: Call 406-243-4429 or stop by 634 Eddy Avenue during walk in hours (9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday)
• Curry Health Center
  • What they do: Make referrals to First Step following a sexual assault
  • How to contact them: Call 406-243-4330 or stop by 634 Eddy Avenue during walk in hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday)
• UM Police Department
  • What they do: Immediate response to emergencies, connections to SARC and First Step.
  • How to contact: Call 911 or 406-243-4000 (direct line). Their office is behind Washington-Grizzly stadium.