Sexual Assault Response Team Seeks Donations in Light of Mom Prom Cancellation

Friday, June 19, 2020
2019 Mom Prom queen Stacy Burris

Greene County’s Sexual Assault Response Team is seeking donations for the programmed following a decision to cancel its biggest fundraiser due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19.

The Greene County Prosecutor’s Office issued a press release this week explaining the 2020 Mom Prom has been canceled.

“At this time of the year, the committee members of the Greene County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) are usually meeting, planning, and organizing the annual Mom Prom fundraising event. This year would have been the 10th year for Mom Prom and is a way to inform and educate the community on what sexual assault is, services available to victims and the need for those services along with raising funds to support those needs, ” the press release states. ”Due to COVID-19, the team, after careful consideration, has decided to cancel the event; which usually takes place in September. The team also had to cancel the Walk-A-Mile event earlier this spring; both events are key in supporting victims of sexual assault and to aid them in the healing process. It is important to note that the need is still evident within our Community, in spite of COVID restrictions and concerns. The committee members decided by postponing the event we would be doing our part in flattening the curve in our community.”

The SART team will need added support from the community to ensure Greene County General Hospital has trained Sexual Assault Response Nurses (SANE) so victims do not have to leave the area for a forensic exam, potentially adding to the trauma they have already faced.

”Sexual assault victims are seen by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE’s) at Greene County General Hospital. Registered nurses at Greene County General Hospital have gone through vigorous training and clinical hours to become SANE’s so they can conduct the forensic examinations needed in sexual assault cases and to provide the care needed for those victims. (you can have a sexual assault examination, which is free, whether you decide to report the crime to law enforcement or not), ” the press release details. ”Currently, Greene County is looking to add more SANE nurses, which is an expensive undertaking. The specialized equipment needed by the SANE’s to perform the forensic examinations is very expensive and is also purchased with money raised through our fundraisers. Another added service available to sexual assault victims is counseling at no costs to them which is also paid for through these funds.”

This is where the community is needed. Last year alone, Mom Prom raised more than $6,000 through the event. The committee is now asking for donations to keep the program in full swing.

”The need for trained nurses and counseling for victims is still evident in our community. If you have attended Mom Prom in the past; were thinking of coming this year for the first time or, were a business owner who supported us in the past, we ask that you still consider donating this year, ” the committee explained.

Donations can be sent to Vickie Aydt, Paralegal/Victim Advocate, Greene County Prosecutor Office, P.O. Box 428, Bloomfield, Indiana 47424 or Suzanne Jackson, Greene County Foundation, 4518 W State Road 54, Bloomfield, Indiana 47424. Make checks payable to the Greene County Foundation/SART.

The Greene County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) consists of Judi Dillion, Kelly McKinnon, Teresa Hutton, Cheri Stone, Jill Bailey, Troy Gaither, Christa Turpin, Mary Stewart, Holly Tally, Lori Speer, Suzanne Jackson, Carol Byers, Jim Medina, Vickie Aydt, Robert Miles and Carolyn Suniga. Greene County General Hospital, Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, Middle Way Greene County Department of Child Services, and local law enforcement collaborate with SART for the work involving victims of domestic violence/sexual assault.

”Thank you for supporting our endeavors in helping victims of Sexual Assault in our small community and Mom Prom 2021 will be in the works soon.”

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