The platform offers a 24/7 option for survivors to report without face-to-face contact, which can be beneficial for those intimidated by traditional methods.
SEATTLE — For the past three years, the Seattle Police Department has been rolling out a free online platform called Seek Then Speak, aimed at giving sexual assault survivors an alternative way to report crimes when calling 911 feels overwhelming.
The tool allows users in Seattle to privately access resources, learn about reporting options, and complete an interactive report on their own time, with the goal of making the process more accessible for survivors who may not be ready to contact police directly.
Seattle Police Detective Lydia Peñate said she was inspired early on by crime dramas, but now works sexual assault cases in Seattle in real life. Her favorite show was Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.
“As a kid, I was like, ‘Mom that’s gonna be me,'” said Peñate.
She said the character Detective Olivia Benson inspired her. Years later, Peñate now works as an officer at Seattle Police Department.
She said early reporting can be critical for investigations.
“I’ll start reaching out, collecting evidence, talking to witnesses, talking to survivors,” she said.
Peñate adds that while 911 remains an important tool, it is not always the first step for everyone.
Dyllyn Werthan, a survivor advocate with the city of Seattle, echoed that sentiment. She acknowledges many survivors need other options.
“People can have different reasons for not wanting to report directly to uniformed patrol, and the ‘speak’ function gives them just another option,” said Werthan.
That is where Seek Then Speak comes in. The online system gives survivors a private way to learn about resources and submit an interactive report on their own time. Since 2023, 72 cases have come through the tool in Seattle.
Officials say the program is designed to prioritize survivor choice.
“The only right answer is what feels right to the survivor,” said Werthan. “Someone who is victimized, especially in this way, they have no obligation to anyone.”
Even in cases where survivors do not want to pursue charges, detectives say the information can still help identify suspects in other cases.
“If we can make an ID on whoever this perpetrator is… we can reference the report, or the Seek then Speak, or whatever data we have.”
For Peñate, the work is centered on supporting survivors through the process at their own pace.
“It’s cool to do this work,” she said. “You’re the boss here, I’m just assisting in getting you justice.”
Officials emphasize that Seek Then Speak is confidential. The site prompts users to clear their data after downloading their report to help ensure privacy protections for survivors using the system.
To ensure diverse coverage and expert insight across a wide range of topics, our publication features contributions from multiple staff writers with varied areas of expertise.
