Presbyterian Healthcare 
2003 News Releases
Presbyterian Hospital Targets Family Violence and Sexual Assault
|
March 5, 2003 Contact: Kevin M. McCarthy, Presbyterian Healthcare, 704-384-9669 |
Responding to a growing need in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community, Presbyterian Hospital has established a Family Domestic Violence Program for adult victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The program is funded by a grant from the Duke Endowment that will provide $182,700 for the first year, with the intent of funding an additional $272,000 over the next two years.
Domestic violence and sexual assault are growing problems in Charlotte and the United States. In 2000, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to more than 32,000 domestic violence calls, 16 domestic violence related homicides and 2,800 domestic violence restraining orders. The U. S. Department of Justice has labeled sexual assault the most rapidly growing "silent violent epidemic" because of significant under reporting.
Presbyterians program has two major goals: to provide immediate treatment and counseling for victims and to preserve forensic evidence for prosecution. Our patients are our top priority. We have set up a private area in the Emergency Department where they can get immediate treatment and counseling and be with their family and friends. Once the victims needs are met, our priority becomes preserving forensic evidence to help in prosecuting the perpetrator of the crime.
The family domestic violence area has been outfitted with the latest equipment to preserve forensic evidence. A total of 12 nurses will be nationally certified as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE); nine have already been certified. This qualifies them to perform forensic exams and to testify as expert witnesses in court. Another element of the program is the Sexual Assault Response Team, comprised of SANE-certified nurses, law enforcement officers, district attorneys, rape crisis counselors and social workers. The on-call team is alerted immediately when a possible victim of sexual assault comes into the Emergency Department. Theres also a Community Advisory Council representing a wide range of agencies and organizations interested in decreasing the number of sexual assaults in the community.
We truly hope we can make a difference in the lives of victims and in reducing this horrible crime in our community.
For more information about the Domestic Violence Program at Presbyterian Healthcare, please call Theresa George at 704-384-3536.
Domestic violence and sexual assault are growing problems in Charlotte and the United States. In 2000, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to more than 32,000 domestic violence calls, 16 domestic violence related homicides and 2,800 domestic violence restraining orders. The U. S. Department of Justice has labeled sexual assault the most rapidly growing "silent violent epidemic" because of significant under reporting.
Presbyterians program has two major goals: to provide immediate treatment and counseling for victims and to preserve forensic evidence for prosecution. Our patients are our top priority. We have set up a private area in the Emergency Department where they can get immediate treatment and counseling and be with their family and friends. Once the victims needs are met, our priority becomes preserving forensic evidence to help in prosecuting the perpetrator of the crime.
The family domestic violence area has been outfitted with the latest equipment to preserve forensic evidence. A total of 12 nurses will be nationally certified as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE); nine have already been certified. This qualifies them to perform forensic exams and to testify as expert witnesses in court. Another element of the program is the Sexual Assault Response Team, comprised of SANE-certified nurses, law enforcement officers, district attorneys, rape crisis counselors and social workers. The on-call team is alerted immediately when a possible victim of sexual assault comes into the Emergency Department. Theres also a Community Advisory Council representing a wide range of agencies and organizations interested in decreasing the number of sexual assaults in the community.
We truly hope we can make a difference in the lives of victims and in reducing this horrible crime in our community.
For more information about the Domestic Violence Program at Presbyterian Healthcare, please call Theresa George at 704-384-3536.
