Littleton Adventist Hospital Helps Sexual Assault Victims Recover and Find Justice

LITTLETON, Colo., Nov. 15, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the wake of a wave of national news stories about sexual assault, Littleton Adventist Hospital and Porter Adventist Hospital are informing the public about a hospital program that offers victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence compassionate medical care while gathering evidence that can assist in bringing their attackers to justice.

"Recent events have brought renewed national attention to the long-standing issue of sexual violence. Survivors of sexual assault have been deprived of dignity and control over their own bodies. Without treatment, sexual assault can lead to long-term health consequences, making this a genuine medical issue," said Jennifer Bishara, BSN, RN, SANE/SAFE Coordinator/Assistant Nurse Manager. "The nurses in the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program provide the highest standard of compassionate care to survivors of sexual assault. Our patients leave with a sense of empowerment, knowing that they are believed, which is vital to the healing process."

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SANE/SAFE) program is administered by Centura Health at Littleton and Porter Adventist Hospitals, as well as other Centura Health care centers including Saint Anthony North Health Campus, Saint Anthony Hospital, and 84th Avenue Neighborhood Health Center.

Staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, nurses in each center are specially trained to treat victims and collect important evidence.

More information highlighting the importance of the SANE/SAFE program:

• Studies show the further sexual assault victims are forced to travel for care, the less likely they are to report the incident.
• In the United States, 17 percent of women report being a victim of rape or attempted rape in their life. In Colorado, the number is even higher at 23.8 percent.
• In Colorado, the prevalence of sexual violence other than rape is 47.4 percent among women, 26.5 percent among men.

About Littleton and Porter Adventist

Littleton and Porter Adventist Hospitals provide comprehensive, compassionate care, as part of Centura Health, Colorado's largest hospital and health care network. Our strength lies in the ability to offer a team of connected networks and shared resources to deliver accessible, reliable and cost-effective health care across the state. For more information, visit www.mylittletonhospital.org or www.centura.org/locations/porter-adventist-hospital.

Contact:
Alyssa Parker
Marketing Strategist and Public Relations
Littleton Adventist Hospital
[email protected]

SOURCE Littleton Adventist Hospital; Porter Adventist Hospital