A Sexual Assault Awareness Ceremony was held Friday morning at the Bellefontaine City Council Chambers.
This was the 1st special event to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Day. The purpose of the ceremony is to raise awareness of the devastating problem of sexual abuse that exists in Logan County and the world, in addition to recognizing those that have chosen careers that help support victims in ultimate ways.
Debbie Brownlee explains what sparked the idea to have the 1st Sexual Assault Awareness Ceremony:
In an opening statement, Tammy Nicholl said, “Sexual assault has both short and long-term consequences. SA is one of the traumatic experiences in a person’s life that often leaves the victim with far more consequences than the perpetrator.”
The month of April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
In Bellefontaine Mayor Ben Stahler’s Proclamation, “The City of Bellefontaine strongly supports the local efforts to actively engage in public and private efforts to report and prevent sexual violence.”
Wendy Rodenberger, Chief Nursing Officer at Mary Rutan Hospital, explained a current program called SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam) that encompasses not only sexual assault but allows examiners the ability to be trained in human trafficking as well as domestic violence.
At Mary Rutan, four nurses have currently completed their SAFE exam course, and an additional 48 hours of training to be able to perform those appropriate exams. MRH is partnering with Ohio Health to do simulation training and working with them to further be prepared to support the local community in providing services.
Debbie Brownlee, Program Manager of TCN Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program in Logan and Champaign Counties, explained three new initiatives that are being done.
The 1st initiative is the promise to the Mary Rutan SAFE Program. The TCN Domestic Violence Program will continue to use the Advocate on Call Service for immediate assistance 24/7 with the police, sheriff, and emergency room for domestic violence or sexual assault. Emotional support is given until staff arrives and after the examination is done, and emotional support for family survivor members will be given, along with many more items.
The 2nd initiative is Story Center. Victims can volunteer to be a part of digital storytelling workshops in rural counties. Logan County may have a few survivors that are interested in doing this, and their stories will go virtual to educate local communities.
In the 3rd initiative, TCN will be accredited through The Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence coalition as a dual program next month. 40 hours of training will be completed in May and will include a site visit and interviews with staff.
Next was the Presentation of Certificates of Excellence. Sheriff Randy Dodds from The Logan County Sheriff’s Office honored Detectives Adam Wood and Miriam Reams to keep sexual assault victims safe and our community a better place to live.
Interim Chief Chris Marlow from the Bellefontaine City Police honored Detectives Dwight Salyer and Blake Kenner.
Debbie Brownlee explains the steps of how this first ceremony came about and plans for the future:
