SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Today, a panel gathered at the Sioux Falls downtown rotary meeting to discuss a growing issue in the state of South Dakota, sexual assault, and just how the community can come together to address the issue.

Michelle Trent, a panelist and the executive director of the Compass Center in Sioux Falls, says that the state needs to invest in education for the youth, but that parents can have their own conversations at an early age.

“We can have conversations with our kids as young as three or four that says ‘do you wanna a hug?’ and if they say no then we say, ‘ok thank you for telling me’ and creating opportunities to educate about ‘my body is my body’ and when I say something to someone else they respect that,” said Trent.

Trent says every county in the state is supported and served by a domestic violence organization that can get someone the help they need.

“Reaching out to those organizations that might be going to the South Dakota network against family violence and sexual assault website and checking out what entity covers your county and starting there and calling, saying ‘hey I’m interested in this where can I access services?’ and they’ll be able to direct you,” said Trent.

As of 2023, South Dakota ranked in the top ten for sexual violence, with 50 cases for every 100 thousand people. Something Sioux Falls Representative Kadyn Wittman called embarrassing. However, she says the state is taking the right steps.

“There’s not enough of us to work against each other, so seeing that collaboration and open lines of communication between law enforcement and victim services and emergency departments, that was really heartening for me,” said Wittman.

Sexual Violence was not a large talking point in the 2025 legislative session. Wittman says she hopes it will be something lawmakers address further in 2026 so that South Dakota becomes a safer place to live and helps those who need it.

All three panelists agreed that the most important thing you can do for a victim is to believe them. In Sioux Falls, Grant Green, Dakota News Now.

Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.