Sexual Assault Resources

for Mercer Teens

Faculty Mentor:  Antonino Scarpati
Student Researcher:  Erin-Ellen Dillon

Sexual assault is a major health concern in the United States and one of the highest risk populations is female teenagers. However there is very little literature on teens between the ages of 13-17 who have been sexually assaulted. Furthermore, little is known about this age groups’ knowledge base about sexual assault and the availability of sexual assault resources, specifically Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). SANEs are specially trained nurses who not only gather forensic data but also provide support for a victim. Much of the research has shown that SANEs improve the long-term outcome for a client by providing victim-sensitive service and helping the victim to feel a sense of efficacy during the process. Under the NCUR model with “communities in transition” we focused on Mercer County’s SANE program and the teens they serve. We worked with Womanspace, the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault (NJCASA), and Jane Reynolds the head of Mercer SANE. We constructed surveys that asked hotline workers, counselors, advocates and SANEs about their professional opinion regarding female teens’ knowledge of both sexual assault and sexual assault resources. A mini phone interview was conducted with the head of Womanspace’s counseling services and a SANE from Mercer. Much of the data still needs to be collected but the perception currently is that there are few resources for these girls and they have a low knowledge base about their limited sexual assault resources and sexual assault itself. Currently, a brochure containing information about sexual assault resources, SANEs and what constitutes sexual assault is being constructed in an attempt to increase teens’ knowledge of resources and sexual assault. This brochure is being constructed in conjunction with Womanspace, NJCASA and the Mercer SANEs. We will be attempting to place them in high school nurse’s offices this fall.

Personal Statement by Erin-Ellen Dillon