The Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center offers victims of sexual assault a “SAFE Room.” But what exactly does that mean? Rachel, the DVSAC Sexual Assault Services Coordinator, is here to break it all down for us!
Q: What does “SAFE Room” mean?
R: SAFE stands for “Sexual Assault Forensic Exam”. DVSAC has a private, specialized room to complete these medical exams and is an excellent alternative to reporting to the hospital after a sexual assault has occurred. Sexual Assault Forensic Exams include more than the opportunity for evidence collection, but also offer medication to prevent some common sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. You are in control of what your exam includes and you don’t have to report to law enforcement to have an exam or receive treatment.
Q: What makes this SAFE Room an excellent alternative to going to the hospital after a sexual assault?
R: People go to hospitals for a variety of urgent needs. Hospitals have to prioritize each person and their needs with staff availability and ability. There is nothing wrong with that, in fact, that’s what we want hospitals to do! But for a SAFE, this means that you often have to wait and wait and wait. You will to tell your story to multiple emergency department team members. Then, your exam may be completed by an emergency department RN or Doctor that has no or limited training in evidence collection.
DVSAC offers the exact same medications, evidence collection, and options as the hospitals. At DVSAC, only trained Sexual Assault Forensic Nurses will complete your exam and you are our only medical priority. The time you spend at DVSAC for your SAFE will, in most instances, be less than half of the time you spend at a hospital plus your care and treatment is more intimate and private.
Q: How soon after a sexual assault should a victim come into the SAFE Room?
R: In Rutherford County, SAFEs should be completed within 5 days of the incident, although after the 5 days, exams are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Q: When victims come into the SAFE Room, they also automatically receive an Advocate? What do Sexual Assault Advocates do?
R: DVSAC Sexual Assault Advocates are available to accompany victims during their SAFE, regardless of where they receive it. Our Advocates are there to make sure the victim’s needs and wishes are being met, they are being heard, and understand everything. Advocates provide confidential support and offer resources for a variety of potential needs from counseling to accompaniment for law enforcement reporting to short-term, immediate shelter.
Q: Walk me through this a bit. If I was just sexually assaulted, what do I do? Who do I call?
R: 615-494-9262 is the DVSAC 24/7 sexual assault crisis line. Trained Advocates and Staff are available to advise you of your options, answer questions and provide resources. The crisis line is also available to anyone that was sexually assaulted in the past and needs to speak with someone. All calls are confidential.
Q: Is there a cost associated with SAFE Room, medical, or advocacy services?
R: Absolutely not! Like all of the services offered by DVSAC, our clients will not be charged a thing.
Q: Who needs to know about the SAFE Room?
R: Everyone! According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s 2021 statistics, 81% of women and 43% of men experience some sort of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. Numbers that high mean that most everyone, personally or by association, knows or will know a rape victim. DVSAC is here to help prevent sexual assaults through education, protecting victims during their most vulnerable times, and empower those victims to become strong survivors.
