Sexual Assault Program

The Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) of Marshall County offers victim support and crisis services for people (males 14 and older and girls who started menses and older) affected by any sexual violence. The program provides a 24 hour crisis intervention hotline, along with a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). The SART team includes; victim advocacy, SANE nurse, law enforcement advocacy, and criminal justice advocacy. The SART team responds to sexual assault victims 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The advocate provides victims advocacy through the prosecution process. Additionally, SASS provides education and awareness to the community.

24-Hour Sexual Assault Response

• A SANE program located within a caring, secure atmosphere for rape kit procedures with SANE trained nurses, free clothing, prophylactic antibiotics for possible exposure to STDs, and pregnancy prevention options.
  
• A Victim Advocate, specially trained in Sexual Assault advocacy / counseling, offering victims and family support and information about sexual assault. 
• 24 Hour Crisis Line - (855) 878-9159

SANE Program

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program utilizes nurses who have been specially trained to provide comprehensive sexual assault exams. The nurses are competent in collection and documentation of forensic evidence. The Specialized trained nurses are qualified to appear in court as expert witnesses.

SART/SANE Program Benefits

• Minimal wait time for the sexual assault victim
  
• Victim more thoroughly examined by a specially trained nurse
  
• Examinations of sexual assault victims provided 24-hours, 7 days a week
  
• Cases closed quicker from proper evidence collection leading to guilty pleas
  
• Assists prosecutor by providing SANE as an expert witness in court
  
• Serves as a network in the community and provides updated information on sexual assault issues
  
• A SANE program located within a caring, secure atmosphere for rape kit procedures with SANE trained nurses, free clothing, prophylactic antibiotics for possible exposure to STDs, and pregnancy prevention options.
  
• Support for Alabama Crime Victims’ Compensation claims
  
• Medical and Legal Advocacy

Counseling Services

Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselors are specially trained in providing emotional support for primary and secondary victims. However, SASS Advocates are not licensed therapist, therefore, victims many times will be referred to a licensed therapist, who specializes in sexual assault victimization trauma. 

Advocacy Services

LAW ENFORCEMENT ADVOCACY: 
Advocate works as a liaison between victims and law enforcement.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY:

• Accompany victim to court hearings and provide victims with emotional support through the judicial process.

• Assistance with Crime Victims’ Compensation claims.
  

• Court Preparation – work with the District Attorney’s Office and prepare victim for court.

MEDICAL ADVOCACY:
Advocate accompanies victim during SANE examination and procedure

PERSONAL ADVOCACY:

• Advocate assists victims in exercising their rights
  
• Provides referrals to community agencies to fulfill victim’s needs

Prevention and Education Program

The SASS Education Coordinator provides the following education and prevention training to the community, law enforcement, school personnel:

• Dynamics of sexual assault
  
• Local trends and laws
  
• Prevention
  
• Effects of sexual violence from the school yard to the work place
  
• Sexting and how to prevent sexual assault while dating

• College campus outreach
  
• Incarcerated victim outreach
  
• Crisis counseling
  
• Support group

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What To Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted

• Do your best to become free of the attacker and proceed to a safe place
  
• Do not shower, brush your teeth, eat, or drink
  
• Do not use the bathroom before obtaining medical attention
  
• Do not remove clothing that you wearing during the assault

• Report directly to a hospital and seek medical attention
  
• Request that a Victim Advocate be contacted
  
• Recording details is an important action following an assault