Columbia rape numbers show increase in reporting last 10 years

Within the last 10 years, the number of rapes being reported has increased in Columbia.

According to Uniform Crime Reporting data, in 2007, 30 rape incidents were reported, while in 2016, 109 were reported.

Columbia Police Department Public Information Officer Bryana Larimer told ABC 17 News that the increased number doesn’t necessarily mean there has been an increase in rape incidents.

“I would be hesitant to say the number of incidents have increased,” Larimer said.

In May of this year, the Columbia Police Department was in the process of implementing a new program aimed at encouraging victims to report sexual assault.

The ‘You Have Options’ program allows victims of sexual assault to just report the incident or ask for a partial or complete investigation from law enforcement. It also promises complete confidentiality between police and the victim.

“Every victim’s goal is not necessarily prosecution,” Deputy Chief Jill Schlude told ABC 17 News in May.

Schlude and Police Chief Ken Burton said they expect, and hope, the program will increase the number of reported sexual assault cases.

So far in 2017, 65 rapes have been reported from January to August; 56 were reported in 2016.

Just recently, the Columbia Police Department responded to the 500 block of Kentucky Boulevard in reference to a sexual assault. Police say the assault did not happen at that address, but the location is still under investigation.

Jennifer Carter Dochler with Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence told ABC 17 News about the importance of having people report rape and sexual assault.

“We need to know what’s happening in our community,” Dochler said. “It’s important to know how prevalent the problem is so we can start to address it.”

Dochler said within the coalition, they have seen more people feel more comfortable coming forward, reporting and sharing their story. Reasons behind that include public awareness, news, criminal code revisions and an increase in resources.

“We are very pleased that this is potentially a trend for other law enforcement agencies to engage in (referring to the new program),” Dochler said. “Often times victims are unsure whether they want to engage with law enforcement.”

The coalition says from 2006 to 2010, 65 percent of rapes nationally were not reported to police.