‘Let’s talk about it’: Methodist addresses sexual assault, calls for more open conversation

“Together we act, united we change.” It’s this year’s theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month and a crucial call to action. Addressing and preventing sexual abuse, assault and harassment starts with open conversation. In order to reduce the stigma surrounding these issues and eliminate the shame that many survivors wrongly carry, we must talk about it.

That’s exactly what this article is designed to do – answer questions surrounding sexual assault and a key program designed to empower survivors. And if it spurs conversation among friends, family members, neighbors and colleagues, it may inspire someone to seek help. It may save a life.

What is the Methodist Heidi Wilke SANE/SART Survivor Program?

The Heidi Wilke SANE/SART (sexual assault nurse examiner/sexual assault response team) Survivor Program is the longest standing program of its kind in Nebraska. It was established in 2003 through the efforts of survivor Heidi Wilke, her husband, Jeff, and the Methodist Hospital Foundation.

The program’s specially trained forensic nurse examiners (FNE’s) are on call 24/7, 365 days a year and provide immediate, compassionate and comprehensive care to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, elder abuse, strangulation and human trafficking.

SANE/SART services are available at Methodist Hospital, Methodist Women’s Hospital and Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital.

How many survivors seek help through the program every year?

The number of survivors we see fluctuates every year with various increases that may reflect greater awareness, improved reporting or expanded access to forensic nursing services. No matter our numbers, our focus remains the same: delivering the highest quality of trauma-informed care and unwavering support to each and every survivor seeking our help.

How do survivors seek help from the program? What’s the first step they should take?

Survivors can come directly to the emergency departments at Methodist Hospital, Women’s Hospital or Jennie Edmundson and ask to see an FNE. No appointment or call ahead is required. Survivors can simply walk in and request to see an FNE. However, if they have questions, they can visit sexualassaulthelp.org. 

What can a survivor expect upon arrival? 

A trained FNE will meet with the survivor one-on-one to discuss their options in a private, comfortable space. From there, they choose every step of the care we offer.

A multidisciplinary team – an FNE, an emergency medical provider, a victim advocate and a law enforcement officer – works together to ensure that the survivor is met with patience and understanding while offering, individualized medical care, thorough evidence collection, emotional support, and information about their legal and reporting options.

Before leaving our facility, the survivor can expect clear guidance on next steps regarding advocacy programs and continued care. Follow-up appointments are offered at the Methodist Community Health Clinic, where they’ll receive private, comprehensive support for their physical and emotional recovery without having to retell their story. The initial follow-up exam is free with minimal wait times. 

When should a survivor seek help? What if they haven’t been physically hurt? 

A survivor can seek care immediately or whenever they feel ready. For sexual assault cases, evidence collection is typically possible up to 120 hours (five days) after an assault. However, beyond that timeframe, survivors can still receive medical care, emotional support and guidance.

We treat a variety of survivors with unique circumstances, including those who:

• Wish to address post-assault health concerns, such as injury, sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy risk
• Want information about their options regarding medical care, advocacy and/or possible legal action.

Of course, talking openly about sexual assault includes talking openly about the misconceptions surrounding the issue. Here are some of the biggest misconceptions:

• Somehow the victim’s actions provoked the assault.
• Assault is typically never as bad as the survivor “makes it out to be.” 

These misconceptions can have serious, sometimes fatal implications. And “victim blaming” remains a significant barrier for survivors in seeking help. It leads to fear of being misunderstood, abandoned, silenced or retaliated against.

This month and every month, let’s talk about it more and share a collective message for survivors everywhere: We hear you. We believe you. We support and stand with you.