Statewide survey shows services for sexual assault survivors still needed in NY hospitals

New York State hospitals are not providing standard care to sexual assault vicitims

ALBANY, NY – A new survey reveals that approximately 63% of hospitals in New York State do not have a Sexual Assault Examiner (SAE), Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program at their facilities. In addition, 28 hospitals do not provide emergency contraception for rape victims. According to New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NYSCASA) officials, although strives have been made, more work needs to be done in providing emergency care to sexual assault survivors.

The Department of Health is deemed a crime victim-related agency under Article 23 of the New York State Executive Law," explains Anne Liske, executive director of NYSCASA. It is expected to see that its agents ‘ensure that crime victims routinely receive emergency social and medical services as soon as possible. The law places particular emphasis on the importance of ‘adequate and appropriate services for ‘crime victims with special needs, including victims of ‘sex-related offenses. Its clear from the results of this survey that New York hospitals need to be consistent in the delivery of emergency services for rape survivors."

The research, sponsored by NYSCASA and Family Planning Advocates of New York State, surveyed the 207 hospital emergency departments throughout New York to find out their official policies in providing services to sexual assault victims. A total of 196 responses were received – a 95% response rate. Complete survey results can be accessed at the NYSCASA website: www.nyscasa.org.

During this year, we hope to see more SAE/SANE/SAFE programs developed," says Liske. She points to the recent release of NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services Violence Against Women funds which helps develop and maintain programs that focus on victim-centered, sensitive care by providing training to health care professionals who perform a comprehensive evaluation, provide phrolytactic treatment and collect forensic evidence.

All hospitals need to provide rape victims with the option of emergency contraception for the prevention of pregnancy," says Liske. Right now, thats not happening in New York State. The more than 21,000 sexual assault survivors annually need the help of New York to ensure the full extent of recommended medical treatment be available at all hospital emergency rooms." NYSCASA officials advocate the passage of Emergency Contraception in the Emergency Room.

NYSCASA is a statewide, nonprofit organization that provides technical support and assistance to rape crisis centers and advocates for the effective response to all people affected by sexual assault by providing outreach and education about issues related to sexual assault.

For more information about NYSCASA, call 518-482-4222 or visit the website at www.nyscasa.org.

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