Okatie, SC Shines with New Designation for Victims Services Center
In a significant and heartwarming achievement, the 14th Circuit Victims Services Center in Okatie, South Carolina, has recently earned a prestigious honor that highlights its dedication and commitment to helping those in need. The center has received a Level 2 Sexual Assault Forensic Excellence (SAFE) Designation, marking a major milestone in their mission to provide exceptional care to victims of sexual assault.
A Community Focused Approach
This designation is no small feat. The 14th Circuit VSC is one of just eight organizations throughout the entire state to receive this accreditation, and notably, it is the very first in the Lowcountry region. The SAFE Designation was developed by a collaboration of several key 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.
According to Solicitor Duffie Stone, the journey to this accomplishment began with a clear goal: to eliminate the need for children to travel long distances for care after a sexual assault. However, through the experience and growth of the program, the focus widened to incorporate better accommodations not only for children but for adult victims as well. Today, the center’s forensic nurses, along with their partners, area hospitals, and local agencies, are dedicated to treating survivors of rape and abuse holistically, all while keeping these essential services right in the heart of the community.
Holistic and Trauma-Informed Care
After the trauma of an assault, survivors can find refuge in the safe, secure medical exam rooms available at the VSC. The center goes above and beyond by offering on-call nurses who provide necessary sexual assault exams in emergency rooms at local hospitals, including Beaufort Memorial, Coast Carolina, and Hilton Head. Since its inception in 2019, the dedicated nurses at the VSC have successfully performed over 200 adult and pediatric exams, demonstrating their effectiveness and commitment to care.
Highly Trained Professionals
The program coordinator, Jennifer Talley, RN, BSN, SANE-A, leads a team of forensic nurses who are trained to deliver comprehensive, trauma-informed care to the survivors they assist. This means not only providing medical attention but also collecting vital evidence and, when necessary, being prepared to testify in court.
To achieve the esteemed Level 2 designation, the VSC ensured that its nurses underwent additional specialized training through SCVAN. Furthermore, they adopted new policies and procedures aimed at guaranteeing quality patient care. This effort significantly enhances the overall services provided to victims in the community.
Recognition of Commitment
Amanda Brown, RN, BSN, SANE-A, who serves as the statewide forensic nurse examiner program coordinator at SCVAN, remarked on the importance of this recognition. “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,” she noted, reflecting the pride shared among the team at the Victims Services Center.
The achievement of the Level 2 SAFE Designation is more than just an accolade; it symbolizes the unwavering dedication of the 14th Circuit Victims Services Center in Okatie to creating a safe, supportive environment for survivors of sexual assault. As the center continues to offer compassionate services, the community stands united in support and recognition of their invaluable efforts.
