Sanctuary, Inc. is providing yet another service to survivors of sexual assault and unveiled their new Sexual Assault Forensics Exam Room, or SAFE Room, Wednesday afternoon.
It will be open starting May 1 at Sanctuary’s location in Hopkinsville, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., available to survivors ages 18 and older who need assistance in a state-of-the-art medical room that comes with a feeling of safety and support. Executive Director Heather Lancaster says they knew there was an unmet need for a place to have medical examinations and rape kits completed for those survivors, and they worked to provide one. She says this offers them a place besides local healthcare facilities to have those procedures done.
APRN Amanda Sholar is the SAFE room coordinator and says having those medical tests and examinations done are vitally important, not only because it collects evidence, but it gives power back to the survivor.
It was also Denim Day Wednesday and Victim Advocate Kenyata Simmons says it’s one of the longest lasting advocacy efforts in the world, showing support for survivors of sexual assault while helping fight misinformation.
Survivors can access Sanctuary’s SAFE Room by calling the 24/7 crisis hotline at 1-800-766-0000 to schedule an appointment. All exams are free of charge and completely confidential.
