Oktie Victim Services Center Receives Level 2 SAFE Designation for Exceptional Care of Sexual Assault Survivors

Oktie, SC Celebrates New Recognition for Victim Services

In a heartening turn of events, the 14th Circuit Victims Services Center (VSC) in Oktie, South Carolina has recently been awarded a prestigious designation, recognizing its exceptional care for sexual assault victims. This accolade, known as the Level 2 Sexual Assault Forensic Excellence (SAFE) Designation, is a testament to the center’s commitment to providing top-notch support and resources to those in need.

What is the SAFE Designation?

The SAFE Designation is not just a certificate on the wall; it reflects a rigorous standard set by collaborative efforts from various organizations including the S.C. Victim Assistance Network (SCVAN), the S.C. Attorney General’s Office, the S.C. State Law Enforcement Division, and the S.C. Hospital Association. The designation is awarded to facilities that “go above and beyond” in their care for victims of sexual assault. Impressively, the 14th Circuit VSC is one of only eight facilities across the entire state to receive this recognition and stands out as the very first in the Lowcountry region.

What Prompted This Development?

Solicitor Duffie Stone highlighted a major motivation behind pushing for the establishment of this vitally important program. “We began this program to eliminate the need for children to travel long distances for care following a sexual assault,” said Stone. “We soon discovered ways adult victims can be better accommodated, as well.” Today, the forensic nurses at the VSC, along with partners from local hospitals and other community organizations, provide comprehensive treatment for survivors of rape and abuse, all within the comfort of their own community.

Services Offered at the VSC

At the heart of the service offered at the VSC is a specialized team of sexual assault nurse examiners. These expert professionals ensure that after an assault, victims are treated with the utmost respect and care in a dedicated medical exam room designed to be safe and secure. It’s essential for victims to feel comfortable and supported during what can be an extremely challenging time.

In addition to services offered at the center, the VSC also has on-call nurses who perform sexual assault exams at local emergency rooms, including those at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Coast Carolina, and Hilton Head hospitals. It’s reassuring to know that these dedicated nurses have conducted over 200 exams for both adults and children since 2019, providing necessary medical attention and compassionate support.

Expert Care and Training

The VSC is led by program coordinator Jennifer Talley, RN, BSN, SANE-A, along with a remarkable team of forensic nurses who are specially trained to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care. This encompasses not just medical treatment, but also the collection of evidence for legal proceedings—an important aspect of supporting survivors through their healing journey.

Commitment to Excellence

In their pursuit of excellence, the nurses at VSC have undergone additional training through SCVAN and adopted new policies and procedures aimed at ensuring quality patient care. Amanda Brown, RN, BSN, SANE-A, who is the statewide forensic nurse examiner program coordinator at SCVAN, noted, “This designation helps to recognize not only the important work being done here, but also the exceptional level of care being offered to survivors within this community.”

A Community Effort

The significance of the latest recognition for the 14th Circuit Victims Services Center reaches far beyond its walls. It symbolizes a commitment to stand by survivors of sexual assault, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to heal. As residents of Okatie, it’s a point of pride to witness our local agencies go the extra mile to help those in their most vulnerable moments. With the SAFE Designation, the future looks bright for all those who seek refuge and care at this vital community resource.

Author: HERE Hilton Head