The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care in Sexual Assault Response

In this episode of the Voice 2 Change podcast by Jane Doe No More, we talk with Rachel Henderson about the Gail Burns Smith, Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFE) program in Connecticut. Rachel explains how the SAFE program provides a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to conducting medical forensic exams for sexual assault survivors. The conversation highlights the importance of the SAFE program in bridging healthcare and legal systems to support survivors, discussing how forensic nurses are trained, the challenges they face, and their impact in empowering survivors through choice and support. The episode also underscores the critical services provided by the Connecticut Judicial Branch Office of Victim Services, offering extensive support and resources for victims throughout their healing and legal journey.

Rachel Henderson is the response program manager for the Connecticut Judicial Branch Office of Victim Services, specifically for the Gail Burns Smith, Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program. With over a decade of emergency department nursing experience and 25 years of providing emergent patient care across the state, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role. She oversees 33 SAFE professionals who respond to eight hospitals and one student health center in central and eastern Connecticut.

Topics Discussed:

• Explanation of SAFE program
• Integration of law enforcement and healthcare systems
• Male nurses' challenges and patient comfort considerations
• Core of empathetic care
• Meeting patients where they are
• Empowering patient rights and choices
• Building rapport and collaboration with advocacy groups
• Role of forensic nurses in courtrooms and legal processes
• Noticing a gap in staff confidence for assault cases
• Effects of compassionate care on patient behavior

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