SafeShelby Sexual Assault Services is a program of SafeHouse
of Shelby County. SafeShelby opened in December of 2016 to provide forensic
medical exams and support advocacy to victims of sexual assault commonly known
as a SANE exam. In 2019, SafeShelby began conducting forensic exams for
intimate partner violence and strangulation. A team of five nurses and six
advocates are specially trained and ready to serve victims of sexual assault
365 days a year 24 hours a day. SafeShelby serves Shelby, Chilton, Clay, and
Coosa counties for sexual assault. All of SafeShelby services are at no cost to
you.
Who Can Seek Services?
Anyone ages 14 and older who has experienced a sexual
assault, physical assault by an intimate or dating partner, and/or
strangulation. SafeShelby staff can respond to the hospital should you need
medical attention and are unable to get to our clinic.
What is a SANE exam?
A SANE exam is a
comprehensive forensic exam performed by a specially trained nurse following a
sexual assault. You will be greeted by an advocate who will escort you to a cozy
room where the nurse will conduct a history taking. You will be asked basic
information about your health and asked to share details of the assault. This
will help the nurse know where on your body to look for injuries and collect
evidence.
Throughout the exam, the nurse will be looking head to toe
for injuries and taking photographs. At the conclusion of the exam, the
advocate will offer for you to take a shower,if you would like one, and provide
you with all new clothing.
Following the exam, you will be offered medications as a
prevention measure for sexually transmitted infections and emergency
contraception. While the thought of having a “Rape kit” done can be fearful and
scary, our team of nurses and advocates go above and beyond to make sure you
feel safe and comfortable. You are in control of the exam and have a right to
stop at any time.
What is Advocacy?
Because victims who work with advocates suffer less distress
and are more likely to experience better emotional health in the future,
SafeShelby’s volunteer sexual assault advocates provide essential services to
victims of sexual violence. During the
SANE medical exam and other supportive services, advocates offer beneficial
information and compassionate emotional support allowing victims to better
understand their rights and make informed choices. Should victims choose to file police reports,
advocates can provide accompaniment when talking to law enforcement officers
and should the case go to trial.
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