A technology new to Pennsylvania that’s enhancing care for sexual assault victims launched in Clearfield County.
The Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth Center (SAFE-T Center)was launched by Penn State’s College of Nursing with support from the Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, at Penn Highlands DuBois.
Officials said SAFE-T Center is a solution to enhance access to high quality sexual assault care in underserved communities.
When a sexual assault examination is performed, one of SAFE-T Center’s expert nurses participates through telehealth.
The expert nurse appears on a screen where she can talk to, and support, both the on-site nurse and the victim.
Though digital telehealth technology, she can also see the live exam in progress.
Officials said prior, Penn Highlands DuBois only had two sexual assault nurse examiners and used the standard rape kits.
Officials said the technology provides better images and video that will strengthen forensic evidence collection and documentation for district attorneys and law enforcement.
SAFE-T Center will also be at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, JC Blair Memorial Hospital, and UMPC Susquehanna.
Officials said they hope SAFE-T becomes a state-wide solution.
