Grant will expand HMH support for sexual assault victims

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (WTVQ)- A $125,000 grant will help expand the Hardin Memorial Health Foundation’s (HMHF) Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program.

The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant was awarded by the state to expand support and services to sexual assault victims.

The grant will help fund training to certify 6 additional nurses to become Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, bringing the total to 14 at HMH.

With more certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, HMH will be able to help victims 24/7.

This will make HMH one out of only eight SANE ready hospitals in Kentucky.

A SANE certified nurse is qualified to complete thorough sexual assault forensic exams.

In 2017, HMH treated more than 50 victims of sexual assault and before the hospital has a SANE Program, victims would have to drive to Louisville for an exam.

This often led to victims not getting treatment or reporting the sexual assault to police.

Studies show that more than 70 percent of sexual assaults go unreported.

The key to successful prosecution of perpetrators is through effective, thorough, and timely exams.

In addition to certifying 6 more nurses for the SANE Program, the grand will also allow HMH to expand community education and awareness.

The grant will also supplement funds for continued work between HMH and the 10-county region Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).

HMHP has received the VOCA grant the past two years for a total investment of $235,000.