Seattle's fight again sexual assault has just gone digital with a new platform aimed at giving power back to survivors. The city has rolled out a fresh initiative called Seek Then Speak, an online resource that looks to simplify the daunting task of navigating post-assault support and the reporting process.
The website is brainchild of End Violence Against Women International and has been adapted to meet the specific needs of Seattle's community. It splits into two distinct parts: "Seek" dishes out critical information on survivor services and rights, while "Speak" offers a guided platform to help piece together an assault narrative, the City of Seattle’s Human Interests blog explains.
In its "Seek" section, users get to grips with a range of essential services, from legal advocacy to medical care, and can access detailed info on how to report an incident to the Seattle Police Department. It's not just for survivors, either. The platform also rolls out the welcome mat for friends and family, providing instruction on how to offer effective support.
The "Speak" section, on the other hand, lets survivors take the reins on recounting their experience through a self-guided interview. Designed with trauma-informed principles at its core, the website gives the user full control over the pace and scope of their disclosure. What's more, the website does not retain any personal data, ensuring survivor privacy and allowing them to dictate the terms of their engagement with law enforcement, as outlined by the Seattle’s Human Interests blog.
