April marks sexual assault awareness month across the country. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 19.9% of females and 6.5% of males experience rape or attempted rape in their lifetimes. In Utah, rape is the only violent crime with higher than national averages.

In a rural area, it can be daunting to find help after experiencing this traumatic event. At Castleview Hospital, they recognize the importance of finding help after sexual assault. As such, they offer the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, a free and survivor-driven program to get survivors the help they need.

Amanda Kaitchuck from Castleview Hospital joined the KOAL Newsroom to discuss the SANE program and the hospital’s upcoming Sexual Assault Awareness walk.

“SANEs are Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners who perform specialty exams on people who have experienced trauma or assault,” explained Kaitchuck of the program.” They are able to use that evidence and give that to the police department so that a case can be built against that person who assaulted this individual.”

This program stands out for its survivor-driven nature, only going as far as the patient is comfortable with: “The moment you say no, we’re done. There’s no questions asked. We are very respectful during this exam. We make sure that you’re as comfortable as you can possibly be. If you want a patient advocate, we can absolutely get a patient advocate there for you as well. So that way, you’re not by yourself.”

This program, which consists of on-call nurses, is available by visiting the emergency room and requesting a SANE examination or by calling the hospital at 435-637-4800.

Kaitchuck also emphasized the Hospital’s upcoming Sexual Assault Awareness walk, which will be held on Wednesday, April 30, in the Price City Peace Gardens. “This is just a walk around the block. If you look at the Peace Gardens, you will notice tons of teal ribbons with factoids around the trees down there. We have already wrapped the trees in teal, so that way you guys have got something to read.” Kaitchuck continued,” If you look at the businesses on Main Street, you’ll see lots of teal ribbons. You’ll see lots of hashtags like I’m with her, Denim Day Awareness and all sorts of things like that.”

“The biggest benefit is bringing that power back to the survivor. This person has already gone through an awful harrowing event, and to be able to help them recover from this, and you’ve got to think, that medical exam, that is the first step toward recovery,” shared Kaitchuck, closing our conversation.

Castleview Hospital’s Sexual Assault Awareness Walk will be held on Wednesday, April 30, at 6:30 p.m. in the Price City Peace Gardens. More information on the SANE program is available here.