HANCOCK COUNTY — For the first time, survivors of sexual assault in Hancock County won't have to travel to another county for medical attention specifically for them.
Through a grant, the Hancock Community Health Network is launching the county's first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. Survivors in Henry County will also be served. The program will allow survivors to get sexual assault exams in a secure and comfortable environment.
"Our goal is to bring the community together and make sexual assault something that we talk about on a regular basis. It happens here in our community and we have the need for this sexual assault nurse examiner program ... we want it to be successful," Aimee Herring, Hancock County Chief Deputy Prosecutor, said. "We want our survivors to walk away feeling like every interaction they've had from the point of their first disclosure to the end of any potential investigation to feel like their best interest is at heart."
From 2006 to 2016, the prosecutor’s office did not get a single conviction for rape. Earlier this year, the county created a new Sexual Assault Response Team, or SART, which is comprised of police, prosecutors, victim advocates and medical professionals. The program's goal is to coordinate a victim-centered, collaborative, interdisciplinary response to all victims of sexual assault by providing comprehensive forensic evaluation, continued advocacy, and criminal justice services in an ethical and compassionate manner.
RELATED: Governor signs bill aimed at defining rape and consent in Indiana
A donation drive is running now through April 23 at several locations. The SANE program is set to begin later this spring or in early summer.
- Hancock County Public Library
- Greenfield Police Department
- Hancock County Sheriff's Department
- Fortville Police Department
- McCordsville Police Department
- Shirley Police Department
- Greenfield Banking Company
- Hancock Regional Hospital
- Hancock Wellness Center
- Healthy 365 Connection Center
- Rotary Club of Greenfield
- Greenfield Fire Stations 421 and 422
- Christ Fellowship Knightstown
-
What you need to know as a major winter storm heads to Indiana
Hoosiers are gearing up for what could be Indiana’s biggest and most impactful winter storms in years. WRTV has a list of information to help you prepare.
Indiana fire departments warn about the dangers of lithium battery fires
Fire departments across Indiana are warning against the potential dangers of certain devices that could even be in your hand right now.
Lilly Endowment investing in kids and families through Early Years Initiative
Early Learning Indiana is a nonprofit organization focused on making sure kids have the skills they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. 68 organizations recently joined the initiative.
Surgeon General urging cancer warning labels be added to alcoholic beverages
A new advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General warns alcohol has a direct link to seven types of cancer.
