New funding to help survivors of sexual assault

Almost $600,000 to expand the quality of service to Rhode Island survivors 

Sierra Shelton

Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline  announced that Rhode Island Hospital will be receiving $599,966 from the Department of Justice’s Office of Victims of Crime to establish Rhode Island’s first SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner) program. 

This federal funding will enable Rhode Island to provide equitable access to quality, trauma-informed medical and forensic care for survivors of sexual assault, and support community resources that prioritize healing and justice.

“It is absolutely critical that victims of sexual assault receive proper treatment, support, and follow-up care. This federal funding will help Rhode Island launch a SAFE program so that highly-trained sexual assault forensic examiners can deliver a range of vital, professionalized services. 

It will ensure evidence is properly collected and analyzed, thereby reducing trauma for the victim and strengthening the state’s capacity to effectively prosecute cases,” said Senator Jack Reed.

“In partnership with law enforcement and community organizations, Lifespan is building a new program to provide comprehensive support to survivors of sexual assault. This federal funding will help survivors get the compassionate care and access to justice they need to heal,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former Rhode Island Attorney General.

“This federal funding will enable Rhode Island to substantially expand and improve access to quality care for survivors of sexual assault, and make sure that they have every resource they need to properly heal, recover, and pursue justice following such a heinous crime,” said Rep. Jim Langevin. “I’m proud to deliver this critical funding alongside my colleagues so that no survivor of sexual assault goes without the necessary trauma-informed resources and services.”

“Every survivor of sexual assault should feel supported throughout their healing process and ensuring access to trauma-informed care is an integral part of this,” said Congressman David Cicilline. “RI SAFE is a much-needed program that will help survivors get the care and justice they need and deserve.”

“Lifespan is pleased to lead the effort to bring the first sexual assault forensic examiner (SAFE) program to Rhode Island and provide access to quality, trauma-informed medical and forensic care for sexual assault survivors,” said Lifespan Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive Cathy Duquette, PhD, RN. 

“This program will lay the foundation for a system of community supports for survivors and a coordinated statewide response that promotes healing and justice.”

The Department of Justice grant will be used to establish a mobile, SAFE program in coordination with the Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Miriam Hospital and Newport Hospital.

 Resources will be developed according to the National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations, and efforts will aim to create a culture of trauma-informed survivor care that support patients through training for all emergency department clinicians and staff. RI-specific training will be provided with content developed and delivered by local experts, including local rape crisis advocacy groups, RI Attorney General's Office, local law enforcement, clinicians focused on mitigating trauma and others.

An expert SAFE Director, SAFE Educator, and Coordinator will be hired to support this effort, and a quality assurance system will be developed that maintains patient confidentiality. Partnerships with community rape crisis advocacy and law enforcement will also be strengthened to facilitate appropriate information-sharing, with patient consent, to support survivor healing and access to justice.

The RI SAFE Project anticipates serving close to 200 patients annually when fully operational, and it will be prepared to accommodate a growing need as survivors of sexual assault learn about these critical services.