Plans continue to evolve to help sexual assault response
By KALEY CONNER
At age 22, Hays resident Jessica Kreutzer always had felt safe in her hometown. Her world was turned upside down in 2008, when she reported being raped in her home.
After sitting through a lengthy police investigation, she was transported to Salina Regional Medical Center -- the nearest hospital offering a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program. It was nearly 12 hours before she was able to return home.
"Nobody should ever have to go through that," she said. "You should be able to go to a local shelter hospital in your own town to be done and over with within hours and go home to family and friends."
Three years later, Kreutzer has decided to share her story in the hope of helping victims. And it's stories like hers that have spurred a community group to action.
Efforts to implement an improved Sexual Assault Response Team and bring SANE services to Hays began last year with a group of Fort Hays State University leadership students.
One semester later, it appears those efforts soon will reach fruition. A group of more than 50 people gathered Tuesday at Sternberg Museum of Natural History to discuss how to better help local assault victims.
A key component of the plan is enhancing medical services. Hays Medical Center administrators are working to establish the hospital's first SANE program, which will be staffed by an initial group of seven registered nurses.
Office space has been identified on the hospital's second floor, equipment is arriving and the nurses are working to complete rigorous education mandates, said Carol Groen, director of emergency services.
"Hays Medical Center is committed to make this work," she said. "They are committed to the SANE team and whatever it's going to take to make that work."
SANE nurses are trained to collect forensic evidence and testify in court. They also provide comprehensive care to the victims.
It's anticipated the program will start in about three months, said Jodi Schmidt, vice president and chief development officer of Hays Medical Center.
A second component calls for establishment of a Sexual Assault Response Team, which will consist of community volunteers and advocates.
The initiative has been a joint effort between many community entities, including the Hays Police Department, the Ellis County Sheriff's Office, the county attorney's office, Northwest Kansas Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, Hays Med and Fort Hays State University.
Community volunteers are welcome -- and needed -- for this part of the effort. Those wanting to help can contact local law enforcement or the county attorney's office. This group's first meeting is set for late May.
NWKDSVS received 66 sexual assault calls from residents in 18 counties last year.
It's estimated that as many as 84 percent of victims don't report the crime or seek help. Even those who contact local advocates are unlikely to pursue prosecution, Ellis County Attorney Tom Drees said.
"Probably the first and foremost thing we need to worry about as a community is how do we come together to give people the confidence they need to report the violation," Drees said.
First responders, including law enforcement and emergency medical providers, are organizing another board to improve communication in assisting rape victims. That board will meet for the first time Thursday.
Discussions on this issue are expected to continue, but in the meantime, Kreutzer expressed gratitude for the community collaboration.
"I pray to God that no one will ever have to go through what I went through, that we won't have to use this," Kreutzer said. "And thank you all for pulling together and doing this for me and the rest of the Hays community."