Methodist in the Media

Where To Go, What To Expect: As Sexual Assault Cases Rise, Methodist Offers Resources

Published: April 11, 2022

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of sexual assault decreased nationwide. Experts believe this was likely due to the sudden decline in parties and gatherings, and the closure of bars and similar establishments — where predators often initiate their attacks.

Most recently, numbers of sexual assault cases have climbed back to pre-pandemic levels. Last year, members of the Methodist Heidi Wilke SANE/SART (sexual assault nurse examiner/sexual assault response team) survivor program cared for 185 sexual assault survivors — almost a 13% increase from 2020. Forty-two of those survivors were adolescents.

As cases continue to rise, it’s important to know where to go and what to expect should the unthinkable happen to you or someone you love.

Omaha World-Herald: Where To Go, What To Expect: As Sexual Assault Cases Rise, Methodist Offers Resources