SAFE at Eisenhower:
It’s something you hope never happens to you or a loved one — or anyone. But the statistics underscore just how common it is. According to RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, every 73 seconds an American is sexually assaulted, with people aged 12 to 34 at highest risk
Eisenhower’s SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) program provides a vital resource for victims of sexual assault crime here in the desert. Jennifer Matthews, BSN, RN, PHN, SANE-A, Eisenhower’s program coordinator of this initiative, explains:
“Our goal is to help ensure that women and men who’ve been sexually assaulted are physically healthy, and that we collect the appropriate evidence if the victim chooses to report their assault to law enforcement,” she says.
“When they walk into the emergency department, we are there to take care of the patient’s needs on all levels: mental, physical and emotional. And we go at their pace. If someone needs to take a break, we take a break. We want them to feel safe and not pushed to do anything they don’t want to do.”
To that end, Matthews’ team performs two exams: a medical exam and a forensic exam.
“When someone comes to our emergency room after they’ve been assaulted, we have all the tools to make sure that we meet all of their health care needs,” she continues. This includes testing and prophylactic treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and checking for injuries you may not be able to see.
“For women, we also do pregnancy testing and, if she isn’t on birth control, we offer Plan B,” Matthews says, referring to an emergency contraception product that helps prevent pregnancy when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. She also points out that sexual violence affects people of every gender identity and sexual orientation, and she and her team are sensitive to this.
“We’re very welcoming to the LGBTQ community. We’ve had training for transgender patients and we have resources for them.”
What’s a forensic exam?
The forensic exam is to collect evidence for what is referred to as a “rape kit.” Matthews notes that anyone who wants this type of exam can have one, even if they choose not to participate in the investigation with police. It is paid for by law enforcement and can be performed up to five days after a sexual assault.
“We swab the body for DNA, send blood and urine to the crime lab, perform a speculum exam and take photos,” she says. “It takes about four hours to complete both exams.”
Matthews stresses that every sexual assault victim is assigned an advocate — a specially trained professional who provides information, emotional support, and help finding resources and filling out paperwork.
“The advocate’s job is to be in the room with the patient throughout the entire exam process and make them feel as comfortable, safe and in control as possible,” Matthews says. “Patients need to know that this is their exam and it’s consensual. They can consent to part or all of it.
Drugs and alcohol play a role
What are the types of situations in which women and men are assaulted? Contrary to long-held beliefs about “stranger danger,” most sexual assaults — eight out of 10 — are committed by someone known to the victim. And alcohol or drugs usually play a role.
“As many as 40 percent of the nearly 150 sexual assaults we see a year are drugfacilitated,” Matthews relates, “and alcohol is generally involved in 90 percent of cases. A common scenario we hear is ‘I was at a bar, had a couple of drinks — which I can normally handle — but I woke up in a hotel room and don’t remember getting there or what happened.’” According to Matthews, desert visitors are sometimes dehydrated and don’t realize the effects of alcohol on their systems. And sometimes drugs slipped into someone’s drink play a role.
Matthews urges people to travel in pairs and to look out for each other. “Watch the bartender pour your drink and keep it covered,” she says. “Don’t leave your drink unattended, be mindful of drinks that are over poured and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.” “I also recommend that people travel in pairs when taking a ride-hailing service,” she adds. “Young people especially should never travel alone.
"Regardless of what dating app someone used, what they wore or the fact that they were drinking, sexual assault is never the victim's fault."
It’s not the victim’s fault
Regardless of what dating app someone used, what they wore or the fact that they were drinking, sexual assault is never the victim’s fault, Matthews stresses. “You didn’t give consent,” she says. “You shouldn’t feel guilty.”
In 2014, California passed the Affirmative Consent Law meaning Yes means Yes. If someone is not alert enough to say, “Yes, this is what I want,” then it is a no. The law states: Lack of protest or resistance does not mean consent, nor does silence mean consent. Affirmative consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual activity and can be revoked at any time.
Matthews also wants to reassure anyone who may have been sexually assaulted that they will be treated with the utmost care and compassion through Eisenhower’s SAFE program.
“There is no judgment here,” she says. “Our primary concern is to help patients realize they’re okay so they can start healing and get back to their lives.”
What to do if you’ve been sexually assaulted
There are various resources available to you if you have been sexually assaulted — or even if you’re not sure.
“The most important thing is to seek help,” says Matthews. “talking about what happened to you is 90 percent of the battle.”
Eisenhower SAFE Program
714.616.8627
24/7 Help line staffed by a nurse
Eisenhower’s SAFEProgram provides medical and forensic examinations to victims of sexual assault in a safe, confidential and compassionate environment. You can present directly to the Eisenhower emergency department or call the above number at any time, night or day, for more information and guidance. safe also provides exams for victims of domestic violence strangulation as well as education and training to local law enforcement, schools and other community organizations.
Coachella Valley Sexual Assault Services
24/7 Hotline: 760.568.9071
The CVSAS’s Rape Crisis Center provides advocacy to rape victims and individual and family members at no cost. the center also provides emergency food, clothing and housing to victims who are without necessities because of the violent crime; counseling services to victims and to family members of sexual assault; and education presentations to the public and service providers in the community. all services are free and confidential.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
800.656.HOPE (4673)
National Sexual Assault Hotline
https://www.rainn.org
When you call the 24/7 hotline, you’ll be connected to a trained staff member from a local sexual assault service provider here in the desert (CVSAS). they will direct you to the appropriate local health facility. RAINN’s website also provides a wealth of information and support.
