In the face of horrific trauma, children who are victims of sexual assault require highly sensitive and specialized services at hospitals and emergency centers. Although such unthinkable needs are difficult to address, Assistance League® of Southeastern Michigan donated $15,000 from its annual fund campaign to purchase a pediatric colposcope for the Wayne County Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner's Program (WC SAFE), the primary provider of comprehensive care for sexually assaulted children under the age of 12 in the Detroit area.
A pediatric colposcope is a non-invasive piece of equipment that provides accurate video and photo documentation of medical evidence in rape cases. The number of sexually assaulted children presenting for medical-forensic care has doubled recently and compassionate professionals will use the equipment to reduce victim stress, administer tests in a safe and therapeutic way, and follow up immediately with interventions to aid survivors, to prosecute their perpetrators, and to save other victims from similar crimes.
"We thank Assistance League donors for opening your hearts and providing some care and concern for these most vulnerable children who have been robbed of their dignity and innocence," said Kimberly Hurst, founder and executive director of WC SAFE. "The subject is difficult, and very often, people just turn away. We are the only non-profit provider of sexual assault exams in Detroit. We are the largest SAFE program in the state and the busiest. We provide medical and forensic care, as well as community-based advocacy and crisis intervention services. Improved medical tools and a more active community response to sexual assault have set a higher standard of care, and an important awareness about a horrible subject."
WC SAFE provides services for 800 sexually assaulted women, men and children each year. Wayne County is in the top fourth percentile in the country for violent sexual assaults, and the age of the victims is getting younger. Upon urging from trauma centers and first-responders who requested medical and psychological training to care for pediatric assault victims, WC SAFE began providing specialized services for victims age 0-11, beginning in Nov. 2015. In its first six months, WC SAFE professionals have already treated 50 patients under age 12.
"Your donation allows us to provide medical care, emotional support and critical advocacy to children who desperately need intervention," Hurst said to Assistance League members. "I have so much gratitude on behalf of sexual abuse patients, survivors, families and staff. It is especially inspiring that so many women, in particular, recognize the problem of violence against women and children. It inspires me. Social change can happen and you are part of it."
For more than 20 years, Assistance League, a non-profit, all-volunteer organization has adapted its programs to meet the growing needs in local communities. This donation is an expansion of its Assault Survivor Kits® Program, which has been in great demand at local hospitals, for providing new clothing and necessities for assault survivors, so they have clean, fresh clothing in which to leave the hospital. Last year, nearly 1,000 kits were provided to 37 hospitals and trauma centers across the state. Health care professionals are now requesting additional kits for younger victims.
"We hope the donation of the colposcope will aid in the physical and emotional healing process for these traumatized children," said Lorna Salmon, vice-president of resource development for Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan and chair of the annual fund campaign. "We are taking a proactive stance
against those who abuse helpless children, and we are providing compassion to those in great crisis. We are parents and grandparents who are compelled to advocate for those with no voice."
