MONTANA — The U.S. Department of Justice found substantial evidence that the Missoula County, Montana Attorney’s Office’s handling and response to sexual assault cases discriminates against women.
Investigators said the county attorney did not provide its lawyers with basic knowledge and training about sexual assault that is necessary to effectively prosecute sexual assault cases.
Friday, the Department of Justice issued its findings after it investigated the Missoula County Attorney’s Office along with the Missoula Police Department and the University of Montana’s Office of Public Safety.
“Prosecutors play a critical role in ensuring that women victims of sexual assault have effective and equal access to criminal justice,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division. “We uncovered evidence of a disturbing pattern of deficiencies in the handling of these cases by the County Attorney’s Office, a pattern that not only denies victims meaningful access to justice, but places the safety of all women in Missoula at risk. ”
The investigation began May 2012 into the investigation of the University of Montana’s handling of allegations of sexual assault and harassment of students under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, according to federal authorities.
The investigation of the Missoula Police Department and both investigations of the University of Montana were resolved in May 2013, via cooperative agreements with the Justice Department
“Prosecutors play a critical role in ensuring that women victims of sexual assault have effective and equal access to criminal justice,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Samuels for the Civil Rights Division. “We uncovered evidence of a disturbing pattern of deficiencies in the handling of these cases by the County Attorney’s Office, a pattern that not only
Specifically, the investigation found evidence that the decisions of the County Attorney’s Office regarding the investigation and prosecution of sexual assaults are influenced by gender bias and stereotyping that adversely affect women.
The investigation also found the following:
- · The County Attorney’s Office generally does not develop evidence in support of sexual assault prosecutions, either on its own or in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies
- · Adult women victims, particularly victims of non-stranger sexual assault and rape, are often treated with disrespect, not informed of the status of their case and revictimized by the process; and
- · The County Attorney’s Office routinely fails to engage in the most basic communication about its cases of sexual assault with law enforcement and advocacy partners.