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Mercy Medical Center's Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program
was established in February, 1994. The S.A.F.E. program was the
second in the state of Maryland and the first in the Baltimore metropolitan
area. It is modeled after successful programs already in existence
in several states.
Mercy Medical is a designated sexual assault center in the city
of Baltimore and has treated more than 1,000 victims of sexual assault
since the program was implemented.
Traditionally, victims of sexual assault are seen in emergency departments
by multiple health care providers, resulting in an extended length
of stay. Through Mercy's S.A.F.E program, victims are seen by a
single, specially trained nurse examiner, and experience much shorter
length of stay.
Sexual assault includes all forms of sexual activity: fondling,
masturbation, unclothing, any genital contact, and sexual intercourse
performed upon another person without consent. Rape is a legal term
defined as unlawful sexual intercourse by force.
The S.A.F.E program works collaboratively with criminal justice
agencies, the Sexual Assault Center and other Baltimore agencies
addressing the needs of victims of sexual violence.
Victims of sexual assault, ages 13 and up, are referred to the S.A.F.E
program by criminal justice agencies, Baltimore's Sexual Assault
Center, emergency medical services personnel, private physicians,
and healthcare organizations. Victims may also enter the Emergency
Department independently seeking treatment for an alleged sexual
assault.
Victims brought to Mercy Medical Center are medically evaluated
as needed by the Emergency Department staff. Law enforcement officers
complete an initial interview prior to the examination. The exam
is performed by the nurse examiner and evidence is collected.
Advantages of the S.A.F.E Program
- Provides the victim with initial crisis intervention, emotional
and social support
- Performs sexual assault exam, evidence collection and preservation
of evidence prior to submission of evidence to police (i.e. evidentiary
exam)
- Provides education to community groups, high schools, colleges,
law enforcement agencies, and emergency medical personnel
- Decreased length of stay for victims. Under S.A.F.E program
the average stay is 2 to 3 hours, whereas length of stay was previously
a minimum of 4 hours
- Improved and consistent evidence collection for judicial system
S.A.F.E provides expert witness testimony for the court system
Provides appropriate referrals for victims of sexual assault
Mercy's S.A.F.E program also provides evidentiary exams at other hospitals
in the Baltimore area for victims who are medically unstable for transport
to Mercy. These exams are conducted upon request.
Given the physical and emotional trauma of sexual assault, victims
benefit greatly from the comprehensive services provided by the Mercy
S.A.F.E program. Emergency Department and S.A.F.E program services
are provided to sexual assault victims free of charge when a police
report is filed. Individuals not wishing to file a report are seen
solely by the Emergency Department staff and are billed in accordance
with normal hospital procedure.
Overview
Mercy's S.A.F.E program is highly regarded by victims, their families,
the Baltimore City Police Department's Crime Lab and Sex Offense Units,
the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office, and the Sexual Assault/Domestic
Violence Center.
For further information, contact:
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program
(410) 332-9499
Mercy Medical Center
301 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
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