Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town

Kerry Barrett is a University of Montana student who is sexually assaulted by a fellow student, Zeke Adams. After a night out, Barrett feels safe enough to go to Adams’s apartment, but despite her clear refusal to engage in sexual activity, she wakes up to find him attempting to rape her. When Barrett reports the assault, she meets with skepticism and dismissiveness from the police. A different investigating detective, Jamie Merifield, sympathizes with Barrett, but when faced with the prospect of actually pursuing the case, Barrett begins to worry the incident was merely a misunderstanding. As a result, Barrett struggles with depression, self-destructive behavior, and a sense of helplessness due to the lack of justice.

Kaitlynn Kelly is a University of Montana student who is raped by Calvin Smith, a first-year student she meets outside her dorm. After a night of drinking, Kelly invites Smith to her room but changes her mind about having sex when they arrive. Despite her objections, Smith assaults her, leaving Kelly traumatized and in pain. She is hesitant to report the crime, fearing disbelief and repercussions due to her alcohol consumption. Encouraged by her friend Kerry Barrett, Kelly eventually reports the rape to campus security and then the Missoula Police Department.