(WSIL) -- News 3 is continuing to look into the issue of sexual assault in southern Illinois, and resources for survivors.聽
Earlier this week, we explored the five treatment hospital in the region that offer evidence collection kits. Now, we're looking into local organizations that are here to help.聽
At least two organizations offer to support victims from the moment they go to the hospital all the way聽 to convicting the person who assaulted them. One is the Survivor Empowerment Center and the other is the Safe Crisis Center.
The serves eight counties, most of those along Route 13 or south of there.聽
The organization used to be called The Women's Center but changed its name to better represent who they serve. That's men, women, and children who are survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
When assault happens, the Center has a 24-hour hotline for help.
Executive Director Stephenie Teague says that can help the survivor figure out their options like going to the hospital or calling law enforcement.
"Most importantly, making sure that they're safe," she explains. "Making sure that the survivor is in a safe place for them to experience and start walking through the next steps."聽
If the survivor chooses, the Survivors Empowerment Center has advocates who will meet them at hospital and be there for support during an evidence collection kit.聽
Lakota Myers used to be an advocate for the group, but now, is one of their Rape Prevention Educators. She can recall being with patients at local hospital as they got an evidence collection kit done.聽
"A lot of times, they're mostly trying to get through it," she says. "They've already been told it's going to take a while. They're just kinds of let me get through the next thing."聽
An evidence collection kit is another name for a rape kit. Those can include pictures of the victim, swabbing, hair and nail clippings, and taking their clothes for processing. It can take anywhere from six to 12 hours for a kit to be completed.聽
"A lot of times you're just helping them feel at ease," Myers remembers. "You're explaining some of the process. Although, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners do an awesome job of explaining what's going to happen."聽
The also has advocates who offer the same support for survivors of sexual assault.聽This organizations serves 11 counties including Hamilton and Jefferson.
The Safe Crisis Center and The Survivor Empowerment Center both guide survivors through the legal process like tracking the kit once its sent to Illinois State Police and communicating with court officials. Both groups also offer counseling so survivors can heal.
Melissa Kelly, an advocate at Safe Crisis Center, says these services are free.聽
"They don't have to worry about paying for any fees," she explains. "They don't have to worry insurance billing, or counseling services; So it means a lot to them because most places can't do that."聽
Some other services that advocates offer include:
- Help with filing for victim compensation
- Guidance for civil no contact orders
- Providing support to family members聽
Officials add another helpful resource in southern Illinois is . The non-profit organization offers free civil legal services to low-income individuals.聽