Expanding Access to Forensic Examinations in Geographically Challenged Communities

Providence St. Mary Medical Center proposes implementation of the High Desert Sexual Assault Survivor Resilience Program. The purpose is to increase the number of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners that provide local, timely, high quality medical forensic examinations for adult and adolescent victims of sexual assault in the High Desert, a geographically isolated area in San Bernardino County in California. Populations in this area are characterized by high rates of poverty and limited access to health and social services. Diverse ethnic communities may avoid contact with law enforcement even in the event of a crime. Some do not pursue assistance due to limited English proficiency, or fear stemming from their citizenship status. These barriers will be addressed with community outreach and education to encourage victims of crime to come forward. The hospital-based forensic examinations will incorporate victim-centered, trauma-informed and culturally competent approaches.

Project activities include recruiting, training, and hiring Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners: equipping a dedicated space for forensic examinations at Providence St. Mary Medical Center; establishing a comprehensive Sexual Assault Response Team comprised of survivors, examiners, advocates, law enforcement, and community organizations; and sexual violence prevention. The Sexual Assault Response team will receive training on best practices for successful coordination, trauma informed approaches, and increased awareness of available victim support services. Advocacy services will include accompaniment to medical, legal and behavioral health appointments, assistance in navigating resources. Community-wide outreach and violence prevention education will also be offered.

Expected long-term outcomes include less trauma experienced by survivors of sexual assault in the High Desert, improved prosecution rates for perpetrators, due to local, timely, expert, and streamlined sexual assault services, and empowered survivors. Outreach and education will help prevent sexual violence by reducing stigma, victim blaming, and the belief that sexual violence is normative. Partners Against Violence, a victim services provider in the area for more than 50 years, will be a subrecipient of the funds awarded and offer wrap around services to survivors, train our Sexual Assault Response Team, and collaborate on community outreach and education. Expected long-term outcomes of this project include trauma reduction, and improved prosecution rates for perpetrators and decrease of sexual violence.

Adolescent and adult survivors of sexual assault in the High Desert are the direct beneficiaries of the High Desert Sexual Assault Survivor Resilience Program. Survivors will experience improved outcomes and decreased disparities in accessing services.