When Lisa Chauncey gets a call of a sexual assault, she responds in a moment’s notice. ONE myth that many people have is that only women are sexually assaulted. Both sexes can be victims. Garner said media exposure to sex crimes have brought the subject from behind closed doors.
“I will meet the victim and family members if they are there,” Chauncey said. “If they desire, I can be with them for the examination or sit with the family members.”
Chauncey is a sexual assault advocate with Hope Unlimited.
Once at the Chanute hospital, Chauncey explains the services Hope Unlimited provides and gathers information from the victim for a follow-up encounter.
“I follow up at the first available date to see where they’re at and let them know I’ll be with them for the process,” she said.
Volunteers at Hope Unlimited make sure victims of sexual assault know they are not alone.
During the examination a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner or a SANE nurse will undress the victim and bag the clothing for evidence. The nurses take samples of pubic hair, clean under the victims’ fingernails, and swab their cheek, anal and vaginal areas. The nurses use an ultra-violet light to look for bodily fluids and a special camera to see bruises that haven’t yet developed. This process can take up to three hours or longer. Because there is not a SANE nurse at Allen County Regional Hospital, victims must travel to Neosho Memorial Regional Hospital to be examined.
The advocate can ask for breaks for the victim during the exam, said Dorothy Sparks, executive director for Hope Unlimited. Although the hospital provides brochures explaining the exam process, advocates sit with the victim and explain the exam step by step if needed.
“We want to let them know we’re trying to humanize the process by helping them,” said Donita Garner, Child Advocacy Center coordinator.
Because clothing is taken as evidence, sometimes victims are left with only a hospital gown to wear. Chauncey brings clothing and shoes with her so the victim has something to wear home.
“It makes them feel more in control,” Chauncey said. “Everything has been taken away from them so clothing is appreciated.”
“The simple act of giving someone socks can make the process more comfortable,” Sparks added.
“Victim services have come a long way in the last 20 years,” Garner said.
When an assault involves a child the Child Advocacy Center steps in to assist the family. The process involves a team of professionals from agencies such as law enforcement, social services, mental health, county attorney’s office and victim advocacy. Garner said having this team allows a child has to recant his story only once.
“It lets them know that they’re not alone,” Garner said. “There is a whole team behind them and they aren’t going to have to be in court alone.”
Once the exam and interviews have concluded, the help from Hope Unlimited doesn’t stop. Volunteers and advocates are available for counseling purposes if the victim would like.
Sparks said the organization works with the county attorney’s office to help the victims.
Going into a courtroom can be scary, the women said. Little things like bringing a small teddy bear for a victim to hold while on the stand can be comforting to them through the difficult process.
If the attacker is up for parole the women will contact the victim to make sure there is a safety plan and will check in on the family
“For a window of time you’re part of their family,” Garner said.
The women said more volunteers at Hope Unlimited are always welcome. Sparks said she would love two or more in every county. The volunteers at the organization are available for people at anytime.
“We’re making an impact and we’re making a difference,” Garner said.
To contact Hope Unlimited’s 24 hour hotline call 620-365-7566.
Organization gives hope in victims’ darkest times
