Sex offenses include rape, forced oral and/or anal sex, and unwanted touching of the breasts or genitals. The DA’s Office can charge individuals who commit such acts with a number of different sex crimes no matter the relationship between the victim and defendant.
Offenses Against Children
Generally speaking, any sexual activity with a minor is considered a sex offense because, under State law, minors aren’t seen as able to consent to sexual activity. Those engaging in sexual activity with a minor face stiff penalties upon conviction. Moreover, those who commit sex offenses against children and posses a position of special trust over the child face even stiffer penalties upon conviction.
Sex offenses are serious crimes that can have far-reaching, destructive effects. Victims of sexual abuse are often traumatized and can have difficulty reporting and explaining the abuse they have experienced. Given the vulnerability of sexual assault victims and the unique challenges in prosecuting sexual assault crimes, the Salt Lake County DA’s Office has compiled the following list of tips and resources to help victims of sexual abuse through the Overview.
Have You Been Sexually Assaulted?
If someone has forced you to have sex against your will, touched you in an uncomfortable or unwanted way, or is controlling your sexual activity, please contact the Rape Recovery Center at (801) 467-7273 or your local law enforcement agency. In an emergency call 911.
If You Are a Victim of Rape or Sexual Assault
- Go to a safe place.
- Do not wash or douche. Do not eat or drink anything if oral sex was involved. Do not remove, touch or destroy any article which may be evidence, including clothing.
- Call the police by dialing 911 or get to the nearest hospital emergency room.
- Explain that you have been sexually assaulted and need to be examined.
- You should request a test for pregnancy, hepatitis, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
- Consider whether you need safe housing.
- Seek out assistance and help from family members or friends that you trust.
- Consider making a police report if you have not already made one.
- Get confidential counseling from a qualified trauma counselor to help you deal with your experience by calling The Rape Recovery Center at (801) 467-7273.
Child Sexual Abuse
If you know a child under the age of 18 who is being touched in an inappropriate or sexual manner by a parent or caretaker, or if your child discloses any sexual or physical abuse:
- Call 911, your local law enforcement agency, the Utah Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-678-9399) or the National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4ACHILD).
- Insist on a medical evaluation at Primary Children’s Medical Center.
- Document the information your child discloses, but don’t question your child about the specific details of the abuse.
- Request that your child be interviewed at a Children’s Justice Center.
Children’s Justice Center
Salt Lake (801) 355-0781
West Jordan (801) 566-3868
How the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office Can Help
Sexual Abuse is prosecuted by the Special Victims Unit of the Salt Lake County DA’s Office. SVU prosecutors are specially trained to understand and deal with the sensitive nature of sex crimes. The SVU works closely with the DA Counseling Unit to ensure that victims receive the support and help that they need as a case moves through the court process. If you have any questions or concerns not addressed here, please call the Special Victims Unit or the Counseling Unit at (801) 363-7900.
Victim Resources
Rape Recovery Center:
24 hour crisis line: (801) 467-7273
National Sex Assault Hotline:
24 hour crisis line: 1-800-656-HOPE
Children’s Justice Center:
Avenues: (801) 355-0781
South Valley: (801) 566-3868.
Crime Victim Reparations:
(801) 238-2360
Division of Child & Family Services (DCFS):
(801) 538-4100
Center For Safe & Healthy Families/Primary Children’s Medical Center:
(801) 662-1000
Utah Child Abuse Hotline:
(800) 678-9399.
National Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-4ACHILD.
Utah Board of Pardons & Parole:
(801) 2641-6464
Utah Sex Offender Registry:
(801) 545-5500
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