Unfortunately, sexual assault happens, and it is a time that is frightening, confusing and full of emotions.

We are here to help. A core group of nurses have been specially trained and certified to work with sexual assault survivors when they come to the emergency departments at LincolnHealth, Pen Bay Medical Center (PBMC) and Waldo County General Hospital (WCGH).

“Sexual assault can be traumatic and life changing” says Mary Ann Ordelt, a registered nurse at WCGH and coordinator of the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program that serves all three hospitals. “It’s important that survivors know that they are supported. As forensic nurse examiners, we work hard to make sure that sexual assault survivors who come to the emergency department know they are in a truly safe and non-judgmental place.”

As an emergency physician, Mark Fourre, MD, president of PBMC and WCGH, cared for many survivors of sexual assault. “Our SAFE nurses are an integral part of the healthcare team and set the stage for recovery,” Dr. Fourre says. “Our staff are prepared to help in this critical moment and are committed to supporting the patient in any way we can.”

To be sure, much of a SAFE nurse’s focus is on medical matters. With the patient’s consent, they typically perform a full physical exam, diagnose and treat any injuries, and offer preventative treatment for sexually transmitted infections. They may also perform medical forensic exams, collecting evidence that may later be used in court.

With empathy and compassion, they also help sexual assault survivors take the first steps toward emotional and psychological healing by working to restoring a patient’s sense of control over their life.

“We make sure the patient knows that they decide what happens every step of the way,” says Julie LeBlanc, RN, a SAFE certified nurse who works in the emergency department at PBMC. “Normally, we might perform a head-to-toe medical exam. We might collect evidence. But if the patient objects at any point, we stop. We offer to call the police, but if they don’t want us to, we don’t. It is critical to what we do as SAFE nurses that we respect the patient’s sense of control over what happens to them.”

Says Deb Prescott, RN, a SAFE-certi­fied nurse at LincolnHealth: “We gently work to build trust from the time they arrive. It requires patience and knowledge of how the brain works under the stress of sexual trauma. My goal is to listen, validate and support my patient during what is perhaps the worst experience of their life.”

There are currently ­ five SAFE-certified nurses serving LincolnHealth, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital.

The goal is to grow that number to 15 over the next few years to ensure 24/7 coverage at all three hospitals.

“We hope no one ever needs these services,” says Dr. Fourre. “But if you or someone you know is sexually assaulted, the SAFE nurses in our emergency departments are there to help.”