How to support victims and survivors of sexual assault

When a loved one or friend confides they've been sexually assaulted or abused it's important to listen, free of judgement.

It might be difficult to know what to say or how to react, but you can give the reassurance they're not at fault, safe, or alone.

Acknowledging what the victim or survivor shares is important, said Danika Allen, RN, Manager of Emergency Services for Reid Health Connersville.

"Address it and support sexual assault survivors by believing in them and their story," -- Danika Allen, RN, Manager of Emergency

Allen is part of Reid's Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Team, a group of nurses specifically trained to respond and provide care for survivors of sexual assault, domestic abuse, and other violent crimes.

As you listen, you might both experience different emotions. Try not to react in anger or to ask questions.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines sexual violence as a sexual act that's committed or attempted by another person without freely given consent of the victim or against someone who is unable to consent or refuse.

Sexual assault can happen to a person of any age or gender.

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, analyzes data collected by the Justice Department to determine the effects of sexual assault. According to RAINN, every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted.

"It is an unfortunate occurrence that no one deserves and there should be no shame associated with surviving a sexual assault," Allen said.

Reid established the SANE Program in August 2015 at the Richmond location providing sexual assault exam for adult and adolescent patients. In October 2022, it began the expansion project to provide additional services for domestic violence, strangulation, child or elder abuse and human trafficking. The expansion also included providing these services at the Connersville location as well. Today these services are available at its emergency departments in Richmond and Connersville.

The program was prompted out of concerns that incidents of sexual assault and domestic violence were being underreported and victims were being underserved, said Ryan Williams, Director of EMS, Forensics, and Trauma Services at Reid.

SANE is a state, national, and international program to educate, train, and certify forensic nurses. Forensic nurses respond to trauma incidents, provide care to meet the patient's emotional and physical needs, offer crisis intervention, legislation awareness, and advocate for patients and their families.

After the SANE Program began to be promoted in the community, the number of sexual assault and domestic violence patients more than doubled within a year.

Williams said Reid's SANE Program takes an interdisciplinary approach in working with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. SANE partners with city and county law enforcement agencies, the prosecutor's office, and with community organizations A Better Way Advocacy Center and the JACY House to connect survivors with resources.

During Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) this April, you can take action to help victims, survivors, and the community by being aware of how common sexual violence is, its prevention, and the resources available.