DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – Methodist Medical Center in Dallas and The Turning Point is joining forces to help sexual assault victims in South Dallas.
As the number of sexual violence cases continues to rise in North Texas, Methodist Dallas Medical Center and The Turning Point are working together to provide victims with more resources. In January 2014, Methodist Dallas opened the second SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) program in Dallas County where registered nurses who’ve completed additional education and training, provide comprehensive healthcare to survivors of sexual assault, as well as collect evidence to provide to investigators. In addition to its rape crisis hotline, The Turning Point provides counseling, education, and advocacy for those impacted by sexual violence. Now, The Turning Point will have advocates onsite at the hospital so victims can receive immediate counseling and other resources.
“20 percent of sexual assaults in Dallas occur here in South Dallas,” said Methodist E.R. Manager Amanda Pena. “And we need to provide a place they can come to and start the healing process.”
The Turning Point is based in Collin County and for years has driven to Methodist Medical Center to aid victims.
“They’ll now be able to respond within 30 minutes to have that advocate group so we can begin the process of forensic collection,” Pena said.
Private donations allowed the hospital to give The Turning Point a permanent home on its campus. Dallas Police Chief U. Renee Hall spoke at an event Tuesday thanking donors and the hospital for its efforts to assist victims in Dallas.
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