Methodist Joining National Discussion, Twitter Chat April 7

OMAHA -  #NoMore

It’s simple, but powerful and drives home the message of putting an end to sexual assault and domestic violence in the Omaha community.

On Tuesday, April 7 from Noon to 1 p.m. Methodist Health System will host a Twitter chat to raise awareness, while also joining the national discussion during the Sexual Assault Awareness Day of Action.

For the third straight year, Methodist will bring together community voices to strike up the social media conversation about sexual assault and domestic violence. Methodist Health System offers the only Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Sexual Assault Response Team (SANE/SART) program in the Omaha community, with forensic nurses specially trained to care for and collect evidence

Participating in this year’s Twitter chat will be representatives from the Omaha Police Department, UNO’s Voices Against Violence, Women’s Center for Advancement, Methodist SANE/SART Nurses, Heartland Family Service, Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney Julie Medina, WOWT Anchor Malorie Maddox and KMTV Anchor Jennifer Griswold.

 “We have seen the power of social media and its ability to raise awareness about this issue, but also about the many resources available in the Omaha community,” said Anne Boatright, director of Methodist’s SANE/SART program. “We continue to see an increased number of sexual assault and domestic violence survivors walk through our doors – so clearly our job is not done. We have to do all that we can to put an end to these violent acts against others.”

In 2014, the Methodist SANE/SART program saw a total of 172 patients seeking care following a sexual assault. In October, the program expanded to care for those impacted by domestic violence. By the end of December, 23 cases of domestic violence were treated at Methodist.

The moderated Twitter chat will cover the following topics:

• What are the warning signs/red flags to be aware of when it comes to domestic violence and sexual assault?
• How prevalent is domestic violence and sexual assault in the Omaha community?
• What should I do if I or someone I know has been sexually assaulted or experienced domestic abuse?
• What is my role in helping prevent domestic violence and sexual assault?
• What do domestic abuse and sexual assault survivors need to know?

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Chat participants will be responding to these questions with statistics, tips on staying safe and resources in the Omaha community.

Many of the people who will be joining us around the table on April 7 are those we work with on a daily basis,” Boatright said. “All of us are focused on helping every person that walks through our doors. It really means a lot to Methodist that so many in the community are willing to come together on this day to be part of this movement.”

Participation in the chat is simple – hop on Twitter at Noon on Tuesday, April 7 and follow along @MethodistHealth. Retweet or favorite posts related to the chat, use the hashtags #NoMore and/or #SAAM  and be a part of the discussion.