When the victim of sexual assault comes forward to report what has been done to them, they have taken a very courageous step towards justice and every effort must be made to help them. However, many survivors report that in Kentucky, hospitals are failing to provide them with the basic assistance required by state law.
Are Kentucky Hospitals Failing Rape Victims?
The nursing director at Baptist Health in Louisville, KY admitted that she has long struggled with helping patients who walk through the hospital doors seeking medical care after a sexual assault or rape. Why? Because the hospital does not have a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) on staff. So instead of helping this brave victim, they have to instead call other hospitals to see who can. The hospital literally has to turn the victim away to seek help elsewhere.
It not only feels wrong, it also goes against state law.
Kentucky state law requires that all ERs provide rape and sexual assault victims with an exam on-site, free of charge. The exam, which is intended to collect forensic evidence that could aid in catching the person responsible, can be performed by a doctor, an advanced practice registered nurse, or a physician's assistant. However, many hospitals cite the lack of a SANE nurse as an excuse to turn these victims away.
This situation often results in victims who feel that no one cares and they fail to return to a different location for help.
The cost of becoming a SANE nurse is a burden for the nurses but could be easily managed by a hospital. A total of 40 hours of additional training that costs about $250, time spent viewing a trial, and clinical practice is necessary. But this is nothing compared to the relief that will be felt by a survivor who approaches a hospital for help.
Survivors Of Rape And Sexual Assault Deserve Support
At Abuse Guardian, the first things that we want our client’s to understand is that we believe you, we support you, and we will fight for you. Our understanding and compassionate legal team has helped thousands of survivors take legal action against those whose negligence allowed the assault to take place.
To learn more about how we can assist you during this difficult time and about how you can take legal action while remaining anonymously, contact us at our law office.
Abuse Guardian
1435 Walnut St #700-B
Philadelphia, PA 19102
215-515-9889
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