#Metoo Community Event to discuss sexual assault policy and politics
Five SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) from Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital will be among the featured speakers at the "#Metoo … Let's Talk: Policy & Politics" program sponsored by the Community Crisis Center.
The event, which is open to the public, will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 20, at Elgin Township, 329 S. McLean Blvd., Elgin.
The program will focus on the history of the #Metoo movement, and will include panelists' discussions on sexual assault statistics, treatment, the law, and the impact on survivors.
Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital nurses Mindi Robles, Lauren Lumpp, Melissa Kenney, Rachael Jaster and Rosemarie Nolazco will discuss forensic medical evaluations and comfort to victims in the immediate aftermath of sexual assault.
The five Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital nurses are Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), registered nurses who have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in injury identification, evaluation, and documentation of sexual assaults.
"Sexual assault is a subject that continues to be taboo. People are still reluctant to talk about it," said Mindi Robles, BSN, RN, clinical practice partner at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. "To promote healing, it is important to discuss it in the open and let survivors know that there are special care providers just for them. They won't be treated like a victim."
Additional speakers include Heather Anderson, MSW, LSW, Crisis Community Center; Elgin City Councilman Corey Dixon; state Rep. Anna Moeller; and former Assistant State's Attorney for Kane County Jamie Mosser.
The event is for all community members and would be of special interest to social service providers, survivors, and college students interested in social services, law, politics or nursing. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join the discussion to end sexual violence.
The Community Crisis Center provides safety, hope, advocacy, respite and education for those impacted by crisis and violence in the Fox Valley Region in Illinois. For more information, please contact handerson@crisiscenter.org or call (847) 697-2380.