HANCOCK COUNTY — For the first time, survivors of sexual assault in Hancock County won't have to travel to another county for medical attention specifically for them.
Through a grant, the Hancock Community Health Network is launching the county's first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. Survivors in Henry County will also be served. The program will allow survivors to get sexual assault exams in a secure and comfortable environment.
"Our goal is to bring the community together and make sexual assault something that we talk about on a regular basis. It happens here in our community and we have the need for this sexual assault nurse examiner program ... we want it to be successful," Aimee Herring, Hancock County Chief Deputy Prosecutor, said. "We want our survivors to walk away feeling like every interaction they've had from the point of their first disclosure to the end of any potential investigation to feel like their best interest is at heart."
From 2006 to 2016, the prosecutor’s office did not get a single conviction for rape. Earlier this year, the county created a new Sexual Assault Response Team, or SART, which is comprised of police, prosecutors, victim advocates and medical professionals. The program's goal is to coordinate a victim-centered, collaborative, interdisciplinary response to all victims of sexual assault by providing comprehensive forensic evaluation, continued advocacy, and criminal justice services in an ethical and compassionate manner.
RELATED: Governor signs bill aimed at defining rape and consent in Indiana
A donation drive is running now through April 23 at several locations. The SANE program is set to begin later this spring or in early summer.
- Hancock County Public Library
- Greenfield Police Department
- Hancock County Sheriff's Department
- Fortville Police Department
- McCordsville Police Department
- Shirley Police Department
- Greenfield Banking Company
- Hancock Regional Hospital
- Hancock Wellness Center
- Healthy 365 Connection Center
- Rotary Club of Greenfield
- Greenfield Fire Stations 421 and 422
- Christ Fellowship Knightstown
-
Indiana lawmakers eliminate Housing First Program funding
Indiana lawmakers eliminated funding for the Housing First program, a decision that will affect organizations dedicated to providing housing for those in need.
IndyGo says cameras could soon be coming to bus stops and nearby intersections
As the City of Indianapolis continues to invest in pedestrian safety, cameras could soon come to IndyGo buses and nearby intersections.
Impacts of defaulting on your student loans, collection resumes May 5th
Starting May 5th the U.S. Department of Education will start collecting on student loans that are in default.
Faith leaders discuss ways to stop suicides in Black community
More that 400 Black Hoosiers have died by suicide since 2018. Some Black faith leaders are now making mental health a priority in their community.
