sexual assault

The Missoula Police Department arrested a 43-year-old man on charges of sexual assault after he allegedly groped an 11-year-old girl at Splash Montana.

Legislators are considering a proposal that supporters say will help victims of sexual assault get local, timely care in rural areas by changing the source of funding for sexual assault examinations.

The Missoula County Attorney's Office has filed charges against a doctor for several counts of sexual assault against patients treated at a local emergency room, and the county is encouraging others with information to contact law enforcement.

Clearing the backlog has already helped solve at least 21 sexual assault cases. That number is expected to grow.

Shantelle Gaynor writes, "Together we can create safer environments by intervening to stop the behavior, promoting healthy attitudes and relationships, believing survivors and connecting them to resources."