RI Delegation Secures $599,966 to Expand Quality, Trauma-Informed Services for Survivors of Sexual Assault

Statement

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today announced that Rhode Island Hospital will be receiving $599,966 from the Department of Justice's Office of Victims of Crime to establish Rhode Island's first SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner) program. This federal funding will enable Rhode Island to provide equitable access to quality, trauma-informed medical and forensic care for survivors of sexual assault, and support community resources that prioritize healing and justice.

"It is absolutely critical that victims of sexual assault receive proper treatment, support, and follow-up care. This federal funding will help Rhode Island launch a SAFE program so that highly-trained sexual assault forensic examiners can deliver a range of vital, professionalized services. It will ensure evidence is properly collected and analyzed, thereby reducing trauma for the victim and strengthening the state's capacity to effectively prosecute cases," said Senator Jack Reed.

"In partnership with law enforcement and community organizations, Lifespan is building a new program to provide comprehensive support to survivors of sexual assault. This federal funding will help survivors get the compassionate care and access to justice they need to heal," said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and former Rhode Island Attorney General.

"This federal funding will enable Rhode Island to substantially expand and improve access to quality care for survivors of sexual assault, and make sure that they have every resource they need to properly heal, recover, and pursue justice following such a heinous crime," said Rep. Jim Langevin. "I'm proud to deliver this critical funding alongside my colleagues so that no survivor of sexual assault goes without the necessary trauma-informed resources and services."

"Every survivor of sexual assault should feel supported throughout their healing process and ensuring access to trauma-informed care is an integral part of this," said Congressman David Cicilline. "RI SAFE is a much-needed program that will help survivors get the care and justice they need and deserve."