‘They only have to tell their story once,” Branch House assists sexual assault victims

by Maria Roberts Wednesday, April 21st 2021

The Branch House Family Justice Center provides services and assistance to sexual assault victims 24-7.

In March 2020 the center opened an on-site forensic exam room. An on-call nurse is always available to assist victims so they do not have to wait at a hospital.

“After someone has experienced this horrible trauma, one of the worst experiences they’ve had to go through they can actually come here and be seen right away,” said Community Response Specialist Brittany Fleenor.

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Dawn Smith said she explains each step of the process before ever touching the patient.

“If there’s something you don’t feel comfortable with that’s just part of the empowerment process we can do as much or as little as they feel comfortable with,” she said.

By following a trauma-informed method victims have access to mental, physical and emotional health services with little re-traumatization.

Anyone seeking assistance can call their hotline: (423)574-7233.

Original Story Here: ‘They only have to tell their story once,” Branch House assists sexual assault victims | WCYB