Rock Springs advocacy groups provide care for victims of sexual abuse
ROCK SPRINGS — Even though it’s a courageous and important step toward healing and justice, many survivors may be reluctant to pursue medical attention after a sexual assault.
The forensic medical department at a local hospital offers an array of support whether the survivor agrees to a forensic exam or not.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, a program at the Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County,
offers expert care from specially trained nurses who make the survivor’s physical and mental health a priority.
The SANE team is trained to deal with sexual assault victims, performing medical, psychological and forensic exams. A forensic exam, formerly known as a “rape kit,” is a process the team uses to collect forensic evidence.
Emergency Room Director Tiffany Uranker serves as the SANE team coordinator.
Uranker noted that preserving critical evidence can be used in legal proceedings to prosecute perpetrators. However, the survivor does not have to commit to the forensic exam, she said.
“When they come in, there isn’t a certain expectation for them to go through this,” Uranker said. “We tell them what we offer, and we allow them to personalize that.”
Megan Tozzi is a full-time house supervisor at the hospital as well as a nurse for SANE. Tozzi said from the beginning they tell survivors if they’re not comfortable with something at any point, the survivor can simply tell them to stop.
“It’s very victim-focused,” Tozzi said.
She added that reporting and seeking a forensic exam is the survivor’s choice.
“We’re here to support them through every step,” she said.
Before the exam
Uranker and Tozzi made a few suggestions about what the survivor shouldn’t do before going to the hospital. They said survivors should not change their clothes before a forensic exam — nor should they shower and comb their hair. They should also try not to urinate.
“These are just suggestions,” Tozzi said. “Bringing someone you trust for emotional support is always a good idea.”
If the survivor is not ready to file a police report immediately, the hospital can keep the evidence from the forensic exam for up to two weeks.
“At least this way, the survivor isn’t stressing out over reporting it immediately, and they can still get help from advocates right away,” Uranker said.
Uranker said survivors have the option to go to the hospital without a parent or legal guardian as long as they’re at least 13 years old. She noted they can still receive care even if they choose not to make a report for law enforcement right away; however, if the survivor is under 13 years old, the staff is required to report to local law enforcement.
According to Uranker, the Division of Victim Services will cover sexual assault exams for victims who are reporting the assault to law enforcement. Patients can apply for Victims Compensation, but this is a process of filling out paperwork.
“Other than that, they would have to pay for services,” Uranker said.
The advocates
The YWCA Victims Advocacy Center provides support, education, and prevention services about domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking and elder abuse.
Uranker said SANE personnel contact someone from the VAC to meet with the survivor.
“The advocate will discuss services the VAC provides. Some survivors will tell us they would like to talk to an advocate, while some will say they are not ready yet, but either way, the opportunity is still there,” she said.
Tozzi pointed out that in-person contact with the advocate benefits the survivor more than just hearing a voice on the other end of the phone.
“The survivor would not only have the advocate’s name and the voice, but a face, too. Once again, it’s up to the survivor,” Tozzi said, noting the survivor can end the conversation at any time. “Even if it’s just a five-minute conversation, it’s better than no conversation at all.”
The advocates are more than part of a legal process.
Tozzi said from what she has seen, the advocate “sticks with the survivor for as long as she or he would like” and “a relationship between that advocate and survivor begins.”
“I’ve seen survivors look up to these advocates,” Tozzi said. “They form a bond because these advocates know what it means to support survivors.”
The advocates and SANE staff communicate with each other about the forensic exam results, too.
“No one is left in the dark,” Tozzi said. “The advocates will let the survivor know if they’ve been drugged and about other results of the exam. We support each other in helping survivors.”
Other services
SANE nurses can also serve as expert witnesses. Their testimony can help juries and judges understand the medical aspects of a case. Tozzi said the SANE nurses from the hospital have sat through “many depositions” but so far, they’ve only had to go to court once.
While some of these cases may go unreported, Uranker and Tozzi agree they can still treat bodily injury and help ensure the survivor’s sexual and physical health.
“Sexual assault is still a stigma,” Uranker said. “They feel embarrassed or they feel they’re to blame until they speak to a friend the next day about it, and that friend encourages them to get help.”
Uranker voiced mental health concerns, saying if survivors don’t go to the hospital to consult with the forensic nursing department, she hopes they will talk to someone.
“Whether you report it or not, we just hope you’ll come in and get the care you need,” Tozzi said. “Whether it’s mental or physical. When in doubt, just come in.”
The SANE team also sees victims of child abuse, intimate partner violence, strangulation and domestic violence.
The local crisis line is 307-352-1030. Another resource is the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, which has helped 4.3 million survivors and their loved ones for the last 30 years, according to the organization’s website. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE).
This story was published on April 12, 2025.