The Indiana University Health Arnett Center of Hope is dedicated to caring for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse and other violent crimes by providing compassionate, patient-centered, trauma-informed care delivered by highly skilled forensic nurses who perform forensic examinations.
“We want victims to know that they are not alone. Even if they do not wish to report the assault to law enforcement, we can help,” stated Megan Shupe, BSN, RN, CEN, FNE at IU Health Arnett Center of Hope. “Victims deserve care and attention from a special group of professionals who are ready to help in their time of need.”
Patient care begins with a medical legal examination that includes an interview where the patient recalls as much detail as possible from the incident and the perpetrator. The interview is followed by a thorough exam that includes body mapping and swabbing, identifying lacerations, bruises and areas that may provide forensic evidence – such as particles of skin from beneath the fingernails, a possible sign of the victim scratching the perpetrator during defense. A special camera is used to photograph the victim’s injuries.
Sexual assault and domestic violence can happen to anyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four women and one in nine men have been a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. One in three women and one in six men have been a victim of sexual violence in their lifetime. One in four children have been the victim of abuse or neglect. Domestic violence occurs across the world and affects people at all levels of economic status.
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) or Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) are nurses who have obtained additional education and clinical experience to perform forensic-medical examinations and evidence collection.
The Center of Hope is located within the IU Health Arnett Emergency Department located at 5165 McCarty Lane, Lafayette. For urgent needs, please call 911 or 765.838.5100.