Thanks to the work of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program at Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital, the prosecution rate for sexual assault crimes in Bexar County has risen to 17 percent, and the rate is increasing yearly. SANE program staff members see all sexual assault survivors from Bexar County and beyond, ages 13 and older, and suspects of all ages.

Shelley Botello, BSN, RN, CA, SANE, SANE-A, director of the SANE program, has been working with victims of violent crimes in San Antonio since 1993. “By having medical forensic specialists readily available 24 hours a day, the needs of these survivors receive attention in a timely manner,” she said. “The program provides an invaluable service to survivors and the community.”

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are registered nurses who are trained by the Texas Attorney General’s Office to provide comprehensive care to the sexual assault patient. Very few criminal offenses require the extraordinary and extensive evidence collection that is involved during a sexual assault forensic examination. Besides collecting evidence, the SANE also testifies in court as an expert witness at the trial.

“An increase in the prosecution rate can have a direct impact on the number of cases being reported,” said Botello. “When sexual assault survivors know their claims will be taken seriously and the person responsible will be punished, they are more likely to report the crime.” With advance notice, Botello is available for interviews on the importance of the SANE program and how it is bringing more perpetrators to justice in Bexar County.

CARING FOR OTHERS—IT IS FOR YOU?

Making the decision to take care of a sick or aging loved one is difficult. When the situation arises, it is important to realistically determine how much assistance the person needs. Think about the person’s condition and their ability to perform activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating, etc.) and activities that maintain their independence (cooking, shopping, housekeeping, getting to the doctor, managing money, etc.).

ThinkFirst® for Seniors and Methodist Specialty and Transplant Hospital are offering “Caring for Others,” a training series to provide caregivers with the tools to create a safe and healthy environment for their loved ones and to take care of themselves. Lianne Mercer, class instructor, suggests asking yourself these questions when determining the level of assistance needed:

• Can they get out of bed by themselves?
• Can they get up from the dining table or favorite chair by themselves?
• Can they control their bladder and/or bowel movements?
• Can they call for help?
• How is their eyesight and hearing?
• If they have Alzheimer’s or dementia, how confused are they?

If you are interested in developing these items into news stories, please call Shirley Wills at 822-2378 or 365-4488(cell) or JoAnn King, 575-0171 or 325-3294(cell). For media assistance on weekends, please call 575-4000 and ask for the public relations representative on call.