After sexual assault or domestic violence, do you know what options are available?
This month, the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program at Pen Bay Medical Center, Waldo County General Hospital and LincolnHealth in Damariscotta launched a “Start By Believing” campaign. The national initiative provides education and resources to help healthcare workers better respond to disclosures of abuse. It also invites staff to pledge or reaffirm their commitment to always start by believing when they meet a survivor. Pictured here, SAFE nurses and other care team members share their pledges outside the Pen Bay Emergency Department. To learn more, visit startbybelieving.org.
This month, the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program at Pen Bay Medical Center, Waldo County General Hospital and LincolnHealth in Damariscotta launched a “Start By Believing” campaign. The national initiative provides education and resources to help healthcare workers better respond to disclosures of abuse. It also invites staff to pledge or reaffirm their commitment to always start by believing when they meet a survivor. Pictured here, SAFE nurses and other care team members share their pledges outside the Pen Bay Emergency Department. To learn more, visit startbybelieving.org.
ROCKPORT and BELFAST — If you or someone you care about is sexually assaulted or is experiencing domestic violence, do you know what options are available? When the unthinkable happens, a special group of nurses at Pen Bay Medical Center, Waldo County General Hospital, and LincolnHealth in Damariscotta are there to provide safe, compassionate and non-judgmental care.
During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we bring attention to the services provided by the Regional Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program. The SAFE Team has specialized training to care for patients who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, strangulation, physical and sexual child abuse and neglect, elder abuse and neglect, and human trafficking. The Regional SAFE Team has doubled in size in the last year and now has 17 nurses providing focused care.
“Our team helps survivors of violence move toward physical and emotional healing by providing individualized, trauma-informed care, restoring a patient’s sense of control over their life,” said Julie LeBlanc, RN, regional SAFE Program coordinator. Patients are offered a medical forensic exam (MFE), which is guided by the individual patient’s wants and needs. SAFE nurses collaborate with providers to treat any injuries and offer preventative treatment for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
Medical forensic exams can also include evidence collection, which could be used later in court. Maine State Sex Crimes Evidence Collection Kits can be stored anonymously for up to 20 years. Patients have the option to decline any portion of the MFE, including evidence collection. Patients may choose to have evidence collection and not report immediately, or not report at all.
Nationally, over half of women and almost one-in-three men will experience sexual violence involving physical contact during their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, one-in-five women in the United States will experience completed or attempted rape during their lifetime, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC).
Men can also be victims, with one-in-26 males experiencing sexual assault in their lives, according to the CDC.
Locally, even if a victim does not wish to file a police report, a medical forensic exam can be provided.
Free local advocacy support available through these 24-hour Helplines:
Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine (SASSMM) at 1-800- 871-7741
New Hope Midcoast (formerly New Hope for Women) at 1-800-522- 3304
For questions about the Regional SAFE Program, please contact Julie.Leblanc@ MaineHealth.org.
About Pen Bay Medical Center
Pen Bay Medical Center is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit pbmc.org.
Waldo County General Hospital
Waldo County General Hospital is part of MaineHealth, a not-for-profit integrated health system consisting of eight local hospital systems, a comprehensive behavioral healthcare network, diagnostic services, home health agencies, and more than 1,600 employed and independent physicians working together through an Accountable Care Organization. With more than 19,000 employees, MaineHealth is the largest health system in northern New England and provides preventive care, diagnosis and treatment to 1.1 million residents in Maine and New Hampshire. For more information, please visit wcgh.org.
