rape_crisis

Rape Crises Brochure

We offer information and referrals to sexual assault victims so they will be able to make well informed choices in regard to their health, safety and successful prosecution of their case. We work to ensure every victim's rights.

RAPE CRISIS SERVICES ADVOCACY PROGRAM
Mental Health Association Rape Crisis Advocates and trained volunteers are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer questions and accompany sexual assault victims and co-victims to hospital emergency rooms, police departments and court rooms.

Sexual assault victims are entitled to no-cost medical and forensic examinations that are paid for by the New York State Crime Victims' Board. Rape Crisis Advocates encourage victims to obtain medical treatment directly following an assault whether or not the victim has chosen to press charges. Medical personnel examine the victim and offer preventative medications for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. With the victim's consent, medical personnel collect DNA and other evidence that may be helpful to the prosecution should the case go to court. All Orange County Hospitals offer forensic examinations to sexual assault victims.

SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER (SANE) PROGRAM
Co-sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Orange County and Orange Regional Medical Center - Horton Campus
Orange Regional Medical Center is the only hospital in Orange County that offers the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. The hospital has reserved a comfortable and private room strictly for the use of sexual assault victims. An on-call Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), certified by the New York State Department of Health, conducts a forensic examination as described above. In addition to DNA collection, the SANE Nurse takes photographs of internal and external injuries using state of the art photographic equipment. This equipment produces evidence that is useful to the prosecution should the case go to trial. The SANE nurse is trained to provide expert testimony.

Victims have the choice of either reporting the sexual assault to the police or not reporting the assault to the police. The Rape Crisis Advocate and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner support the choice the victim makes. Victims who are uncertain can proceed with the Sexual Assault Nurse Examination and the evidence can be stored for up to 90 days, allowing additional time for the victim to make a decision about reporting the crime to law enforcement.

COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Community Educator makes presentations to schools, community groups, law enforcement, hospitals and mental health organizations. Sexual assault is the most under reported and misunderstood crime. Education is key to shattering myths and increasing sensitivity to the needs and issues facing sexual assault victims and co-victims.

SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS' SUPPORT GROUPS
Two groups are offered for Survivors of Sexual Trauma. A clinical support group is held every Thursday at the Mental Health Association in Goshen, New York. Another peer support group is held at the Mental Health Association's Newburgh office. These discussion groups provide safe and confidential forums for survivors to work through the healing process.

Rape Crisis Services in Orange County is a program of the Mental Health Association in Orange County. We are funded by: Orange County District Attorney's Office, New York State Department of Health, New York State Crime Victims' Board, New York State Department of Criminal Justice and Orange County United Way.