Only 12% of Utah women report sexual assault, DA’s Office says

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah District Attorney’s Office said for every 100 Utah women who are sexually assaulted, 88 of them won’t report it.

The Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault awarded various groups from across the state for their efforts to help those victims.

Adam Gaus with Friends Against Family Violence pointed out that some changes in the way Utah tries sexual assault cases could help.

“Changes are being made. For example, not having to testify,” Gaus said. “You can just do a written victim statement, not having to do an entire verbal testimony, going to pretrial (and) doing it multiple times … Those little changes like that. We’re taking that data, we’re seeing people aren’t reporting … Now, let’s do something about it.”

Erin Anderson, a case worker with CAPSA said a lot of victims are too afraid to report the assault. 

“I think a lot of it has to do with fears, and that’s various types of fears,” Anderson said. “Sometimes that’s fear of the criminal justice system and not understanding how it works. Or maybe you do understand how it works and that’s what’s scary.” 

Gaus and Anderson said there are resources for victims across all regions of Utah.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship there is help available here in Utah and nationwide.

• YWCA’s Women in Jeopardy program: 801-537-8600
• Utah statewide Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-897-LINK (5465) and udvc.org
• 24-hour Salt Lake victim advocate hotline: 801-580-7969
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

Keep reading: Salt Lake County observes Sexual Assault Awareness month