Content warning: This article contains mentions of sexual assault and violence.
The Rape Crisis Center’s Sexual Violence Resource Center announced a partnership with the Dane County Multi-Agency Center on March 9 to provide free forensic nursing services at for survivors of sexual assault.
The services, which started March 8, include medical care for injuries, pregnancy prevention, STI testing and forensic evidence collection by certified professionals. Described as a “community-based” option by RCC, all services are free and do not require health insurance, proof of citizenship or law enforcement reporting. The examinations are entirely survivor-led and confidential.
“It’s very rewarding to just give somebody back control after they lost control in an assault. It's been one of the most rewarding areas of nursing I’ve worked in, just to be able to help someone in that way,” Heather Hentrich, a nurse practitioner at RCC, told The Daily Cardinal.
The RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center has served Dane County sexual assault survivors since 1973 and became one of the first rape crisis center in the nation.
In addition to forensic services, the RCC offers a helpline in English and Spanish, free one-on-one therapy, support groups and assistance with next steps, whether survivors seek medical attention or legal advice.
They have multiple campus offices at Madison College, Edgewood College and University of Wisconsin-Madison, located at the Student Activity Center, though the forensic nurses are open at their main office on Rise Lane for ages 17 and up from 1-9 p.m. each week, Sunday through Thursday.
According to Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network, someone in the U.S. is sexually assalted every minute. In 2023, the RCC reported serving 436 sexual assault victims and received over 1,000 calls to their helpline. As of January, Dane County had 107 registered sex offenders.
The RCC has faced funding struggles, losing $250,000 during the last year of the Biden administration and relying heavily on state grants. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul acknowledged the strain on victim service providers in Wisconsin and across the nation at the press conference.
“We need to make sure that [victim service providers] continue to have support from policymakers because as much as they can collaborate and come up with new solutions. They also need the resources to help ensure that survivors are supported and that justice is obtained in these cases,” Kaul said.
Many sexual assault survivors may feel uncomfortable or intimidated by reporting to law enforcements or undergoing a forensic examination at a hospital acoording to RCC executive director, Dana Pellebon. The RCC hopes to be a safe alternative for those who choose not to go.
DaneMAC Co-founder Kim Curran said the biggest barrier survivors face is not being able to access these services in their community.
“It is not quick and safe and there are no trusted spaces. We’re breaking the paradigm by what we’re doing here in Dane County,” Curran said.
