New Program Will Train Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners

West Alabama is getting a new facility to treat sexual assault victims.

According to the Associated Press, the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program will open this fall near DCH Regional Medical Center. Kellee Reinhart, a spokeswoman for the partners who established the program, says services will include medical care, follow-up counseling, specialized therapy and information about reporting options. In addition, nurses will be trained to care for patients who are victims of sexual assault or abuse. About 17 DCH emergency department nurses are undergoing classroom and additional clinical training and are expected to staff the facility when the training is completed in early October.

Tuscaloosa County District Attorney Hays Webb says the specially-trained nurses will help with the prosecution of sexual assault cases. Get the full story here.