Good Samaritan Hospital and the Rockland County Family Shelter announce the opening of the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program (SAFE). The SAFE program is staffed by medical professionals who have successfully completed special training in forensic medical examinations, documentation of injuries, and the collection of evidence mandated by the New York State Department of Health.

Good Samaritan Hospital and the Rockland County Family Shelter announce the opening of the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program (SAFE). The SAFE program, part of the Sexual Trauma Services of the Rockland County Family Shelter, is staffed by Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and licensed midwives who have successfully completed special training in forensic medical examinations, documentation of injuries, and the collection of evidence mandated by the New York State Department of Health. The announcement of the program dovetails with Rockland County District Attorney, Michael Bongiorno’s proclamation declaring April 2004, Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Rockland County.

The SAFE program is part of a nationwide movement that recognizes the need for the most compassionate care for persons reporting a sexual assault, while at the same time highlighting the importance of objective documentation, forensic examination and comprehensive evidence collection in all cases. SAFE services are provided in a sympathetic, non-judgmental manner to women and men who report being sexually assaulted. By working along with the hospital’s Emergency Department (ED), SAFE providers have the ability to administer the most extensive and dedicated care to those assaulted.

Endorsed by both Law Enforcement officials as well as District Attorneys across the nation, the SAFE program benefits all aspects of any sexual assault scenario. All SAFE providers are trained to collect evidence and document injuries in a consistent fashion, further helping police and law enforcement officials determine whether or not a crime was committed. Such consistency also ensures that the Prosecutor assigned to the case is more likely to have more credible physical evidence that will be admissible and persuasive in court.

Emergency Departments, known to have a high volume of critical care patients, also fully support and welcome specially trained SAFE providers. In the event that a victim of sexual abuse is admitted to an emergency department, the ED staff can be assured that the examiner will be available to provide the individual attention necessary and can remain at the victim’s side throughout the ordeal.

For additional information about the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program, please contact the SAFE Coordinator, Connie Coker, at the Rockland County Family Shelter, 845-634-3391.

Good Samaritan Hospital is part of the Bon Secours Charity Health System, which also includes St. Anthony Community Hospital in Warwick, NY and Bon Secours Community Hospital in Port Jervis, NY. Additionally, Bon Secours Charity Health System provides the services of a Certified Home Health Agency, two long-term care facilities, an assisted living and adult home facility and several other medical programs

Press Contact: John Lonsdorf, R&J Group (973) 331-1070