Washington Health System

Shedding Light on TAKING ACTION If you have been sexually assaulted: » Get to a safe place. » Notify police immediately and call a loved one for support. » Go to the nearest Emergency Department for medical attention. Do not bathe or douche until you have been examined. » Save any possible evidence, especially items of clothing you were wearing when the attack occurred. » Connect with a counselor trained to provide support to victims of rape or other types of sexual assault. » Remember, nobody asks for or deserves to be sexually assaulted. ASSAU LT Whether committed by a date, family member or a stranger, sexual assault leaves scars that last a lifetime. To help individuals in our community deal with this painful experience, the WHS Sexual Assault Program engages resources to address the physical, legal and emotional repercussions of sexual assault. e WHS Sexual Assault Program is composed of registered nurses who receive specialized training to care for victims of sexual assault. ese nurses are referred to as SANEs (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners). "Sexual assault in any form is a devastating crime, and doing nothing aer a sexual assault occurs can be harmful to the victim in many ways, mentally and physically," says Michelle McIntyre, MSN, RN, SANE, Assistant Nurse Manager of Emergency Services with the WHS Emergency Department. "Seeking support from trained professionals can help with the healing process." POWERFUL COLLABORATION Washington County uses a multifaceted approach to the investigation, prosecution and victim services relating to sexual assault cases. e team is composed of the District Attorney's office, law enforcement, WHS SANEs, and victim advocates from STTARS (Sexual Trauma Treatment and Recovery Services). is approach is designed to lessen the trauma to the victim by reducing repeated interviews with and questioning of the victim. Together, the members of the team work with individuals and families to provide compassionate and culturally sensitive care, and medical professionals will work together with victims and families to address life-changing consequences of assault, such as sexually transmitted disease and unplanned pregnancy. Someone who has been sexually assaulted may show signs of anxiety or depression, increase the use of alcohol or drugs, develop low self-esteem, exhibit self-harming behaviors, or have thoughts of suicide. » YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THE WAKE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT. TO CONNECT WITH THE WHS SEXUAL ASSAULT PROGRAM, CALL (724) 229-2106. FOR IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION, VISIT THE WHS EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT. SEXUA L THE WASHINGTON HEALTH SYSTEM SEXUAL ASSAULT PROGRAM IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING COMPASSIONATE SUPPORT AND HEALING TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY SEXUAL ASSAULT. NO NO MEANS FALL 2017 | connections whs.org 5

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