Displaying items by tag: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program

A program once available in Summit County two years ago is making a comeback at Akron General Health System to help victims of sexual assaults. Trained nurses with the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program will be available beginning Sunday to address the growing issue of sexual assaults in the area.

 

The PATH Center and Program was developed with the hospital's OBGYN and emergency departments.

 

The program's medical director, Dr. Jennifer Savitski, said the nurses go through 40 hours of base training, as well as clinical training to help sexual assault victims. 

 

"The nurses also have been trained on the neurobiology of trauma and how that may affect a patient's response to the sexual assault or domestic violence that they may have experienced," said Savitski.

 

Savitski explained the importance of gathering evidence in order to strengthen the ability to prosecute the person responsible for the crime. 

 

Dr. Tim Stover, Akron General president and CEO, said he didn't hesitate to support the program's launch at the hospital. Stover's daughter was a victim a domestic violence. 

 

"I remember, now, why I said 'yes' to this need, because it has to get done," said Stover. "That's all there is to it." 

 

Akron General has also designated space for program in the main hospital's Emergency Department, which is scheduled to be completed in 2017. The center will include office space, a separate waiting area and exam room, and a private shower for patients to use.

 

The Ohio Attorney General's Office handed out more than $51 million to over 300 crime victim support agencies, including nearly $229,000 for the new SANE program at Akron General.