‘We Need The Help:’ Oklahoma Crisis Advocates Discuss Need For Assault Resources In Rural Communities

Less than 20 percent of our hospitals have nurses trained to help sexual assault survivors. That's according to the International Association of Forensic Nurses. 

One group of Oklahoma crisis advocates said these services are essential. “It’s just a challenge,” said Matt Whetzel, the Executive Director at ICAN. “It’s just an ongoing process.” 

Some things are hard to talk about because of the pain behind it. “This is essential work,” said Peggy Hammond, a court victim advocate for the Intervention and Crisis Advocacy Network – known as ICAN that serves Canadian and Grady counties. “I answer the crisis line, help at the courthouse with protective orders, go to the SANE exams,” Hammond said. SANEs or sexual assault nurse examiners are in need across Oklahoma. “That can cover a lot of territory,” said Cari Taylor, a court victim advocate for ICAN. “We need the help.” 

Many Oklahomans must drive several hours just to make it to these essential services. “There’s not public transportation in our area and it’s hard for some people to get to us,” Hammond said. ICAN – one of 32 agencies certified in Oklahoma to provide services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“In Grady County, we have two nurses at Grady Memorial Hospital,” Whetzel said. Whetzel said there are no SANE resources in Canadian County.  “We haven’t been able to get something established and sustainable,” Whetzel said. 

Taylor said establishing facilities takes money and time. Training is also required for SANE nurses to be informed on how to handle survivors of trauma. “This is volunteer for the most part going through all of this training,” Whetzel said. “These individuals that are getting the exams are telling the most horrific story of their life.”

Taylor said any kind of crisis advocacy takes people who care. “I’m proud of what I do,” Taylor said. “That one person that gets involved. That could be a lifesaver for them.” 

Hammond and Taylor said intervention takes people who want to have hard conversations and provide spaces for healing to begin. 

“I think we’ve made a lot of progress and there’s a lot more to be made,” Hammond said.