HANCOCK COUNTY — Survivors of sexual assault in East Central Indiana now have a new place they can go to get help documenting what they've gone through.
The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program officially launched on August 1 at the Knightstown Health Care Center. There, survivors can get free exams that document their stories, preserve legal evidence and provide medication.
The exams are conducted by specially trained nurses and nurse practitioners.
"These healthcare professionals are trained extensively to deliver compassionate care while performing proper forensic exams. Please know, these exams are performed as a precaution; this way survivors can choose to report to law enforcement in their own time," said Donna Timblin, SANE Nurse Practitioner Lead at Hancock Health.
Aimee Herring, Hancock County Chief Deputy Prosecutor, says four sexual assault survivors were helped in the first 18 days of the program.
"It is apparent that this overwhelming need has been here for years, and yet did not exist," Herring said. "Programs like this are the epitome of victim-centered care and it is long overdue in Hancock and Henry County."
The program can also connect survivors to counseling and other resources.
The SANE program is available at the Knightstown Health Care Center, located at 224 West Main Street, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. The facility’s phone number is (765) 345-5572.
When the clinic is closed, survivors may visit emergency departments at Hancock Regional Hospital or Henry Community Health to be connected with a qualified nurse examiner.
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 | Hancock County getting new resources to help survivors of sexual assault
-
Indiana Youth Institute releases the 2026 Indiana KIDS COUNT data book
The 2026 KIDS COUNT report is showing greater overall well-being for Indiana's children, focusing on strides made in education, health, and economic well-being compared to just last year.
Lawrence's first Black mayor and police chief make history together
For the first time, the city of Lawrence is led simultaneously by a Black mayor and a Black police chief.
LISTEN | Beech Grove bids farewell to Officer Brian Elliott with final 10-42
Surrounded by fellow officers, family, and a grieving community, fallen Beech Grove Police Officer Brian Elliott received his final 10-42 at the Beech Grove Police Station.
Youth take lead in effort to reduce gun violence
Young people took center stage at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, leading a conversation about gun violence and how they can work alongside adults to help prevent it.
