FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 2, 2025

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PolicePIO@slc.gov

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SLCPD Collaborates with Downtown Businesses to Raise Awareness About Sexual Assaults

SALT LAKE CITY — Today, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Central Patrol Division announced a new initiative focused on preventing sexual assault at entertainment venues.

This new effort includes increased training and outreach for food and drink establishments aimed at helping staff identify risk factors and respond effectively to signs of sexual violence. The initiative emphasizes a trauma-informed, survivor-centered approach, with a strong focus on empowering survivors and community members to report incidents and seek support.

“Our message to you today is one of empowerment,” said SLCPD District Community Liaison Officer Marie Stewart, who is leading the initiative. “Here in Salt Lake City, business owners and police are dedicated to your safety.”

Detective Stewart, who monitors crime patterns for SLCPD’s Central Patrol Division, added that while Salt Lake City does not have a high number of reported sexual assaults in bars and nightclubs, underreporting remains a serious concern.

“Even one sexual assault is unacceptable,” Det. Stewart said. “Your intuition is a powerful tool, listen to it. If something feels off, don’t ignore it.”

The initiative encourages bar and restaurant staff to support customers in vulnerable situations, including helping call a rideshare or contacting police if needed.

As of April 1, 2025, citywide, SLCPD has documented 56 reported sexual assaults in 2025, which is a decrease of nearly 7% when compared to 2024. In Council District 4, there have been 23 reported sexual assaults for 2025, which is the same count when compared to 2024.

The SLCPD is committed to lowering the number of sexual assaults and to support survivors at every step possible.

“A big part of policing is service,” said Salt Lake City Police Commander Bill Manzanares, who oversees operations in the SLCPD’s Central Patrol Division. “Our officers are busy, but it’s important that they carve out time to do projects like this to build relationships and trust with our community. Not only is this helpful to the community, but it’s a good thing for our officers. These community-oriented policing projects give our officers a chance to interact with the community in a positive way.”

“Sexual violence remains a serious concern in Utah, and prevention must be a shared responsibility,” said Salt Lake City Police Victim Services Director Wendy Isom. “This initiative is about neighbors, businesses, and law enforcement coming together to keep each other safe. Through programs like this and with the help of partners such as the Rape Recovery Center, we’re working to prevent harm before it happens—and when it does occur, we are committed to providing trauma-informed care that respects survivors’ rights, privacy, and dignity, regardless of whether they choose to report.”

“Prevention of sexual assault is possible,” said Gary Scheller, associate director of the Rape Recovery Center. “However, and unfortunately, we do have a high need to respond to help survivors of sexual assault.”

Scheller added the Rape Recovery Center is committed supporting and empowering survivors and victims of sexual violence and educating the community about the cause, impact, and prevention of sexual violence.  The Salt Lake City Police Department is committed to helping survivors of sexual assault receive a well-coordinated, victim-centered, and trauma-informed law enforcement response, regardless of when the assault happened.

Our dedicated responses include connecting the survivor with options for victim advocacy, free emergency contraception, medical treatment, information about victim services, and mental health care.

More information on specific resources and our guide for victims of sexual assault, please click here.

Individuals wishing to speak with a sexual assault victim advocate can call the SLCPD Victim Advocate 24-hour hotline at 801-580-7969. Callers may remain anonymous, call from a blocked number, or use an alias name to utilize victims’ rights to privacy.

To report a sexual assault or speak with an SVU detective, call 801-799-3000.

The Rape Recovery Center provides confidential services to survivors and can be reached at 801-467-7282.  Survivors can also call Utah’s 24-hour sexual violence helpline at 801-736-4356 (English) or 801-924-0860 (Spanish).

Several photos from the press conference are being released. Media may use these photos with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

(Photo: Salt Lake City Police Commander Bill Manzanares speaks about his division’s commitment to community-oriented policing and the impacts it has on the community and officers – SLCPD photo, April 2, 2025).

(Photo: Salt Lake City Police District Community Liaison Officer Marie Stewart speaking about sexual assault and an increased training and outreach she is coordinating with local businesses, including restaurants and bars – SLCPD photo, April 2, 2025).

(Photo: Salt Lake City Police Victim Services Director Wendy Isom speaks during a Sexual Assault Awareness Month press conference and highlighted the Salt Lake City Police Department’s commitment to trauma-informed, survivor-centered response – SLCPD photo, April 2, 2025).

(Photo: Gary Scheller, the associate director of the Rape Recovery Center speaks at an event to highlight the services the Rape Recovery Center provides to not just survivors of sexual assaults but also family members, friends, and others – SLCPD photo, April 2, 2025.)

Photo: A collage of recent Community Oriented Policing events involving officers assigned to the SLCPD’s Central Patrol Division.

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