Network Against Sexual Violence will move out of basement

The new office, which will cost the network nothing, will be more convenient.

For five years, the organization that assists area victims of sexual abuse has been basically operating out of a basement.

"It's like the abyss," said Tammy Gwaltney, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence.

Now, thanks to Saint Francis Medical Center, the agency is getting a better location -- one that is more child-friendly and more conducive to going about the important business of examining the abused bodies and bruised psyches of children.

Currently, the staff of 13 has been operating at a hard-to-find location at 63 Doctor's Park in the lower level of a doctor's office that in the past has been used for storage. The location requires victims to walk down a long, flight of steps into a cramped space.

"We've outgrown the facility," Gwaltney said. "There's no place else for us to grow. We were glad to have it five years ago, but now it's time for something better."

Saint Francis Medical Center will be providing the new location rent-free at 69 Doctor's Park. The hospital is also paying to renovate the new space to offer a clinic setting that is better suited to serve the needs of the abused.

NASV serves the Southeast Missouri region assisting in criminal investigations and providing crisis intervention, court advocacy and child sexual assault forensic exams.

NASV is instrumental in helping law enforcement prosecute perpetrators and ensuring appropriate follow-up care to victims of sexual abuse, Gwaltney said. The new location will also be more convenient and handicap accessible, unlike the existing spot, she said.

Hospital president and CEO Steven Bjelich said it is a priority for the hospital to keep children safe and ensure they have access to appropriate care.

"We believe that the services provided by NASV is vital to our community and we want to be supportive of their efforts," he said. "This new location will help victims receive the support they need in a setting that is conducive to their unique and unfortunate circumstances."

The organization seeks to be an advocate for those affected by sexual trauma. Its clients include infants, children, adults and the elderly. The organization has provided medical exams, court advocacy and/or counseling to children and adult victims of sexual abuse and assault.

The agency set the goal of finding a new spot a couple years ago. But funding was always a problem.

"It was a catch-22," Gwaltney said. "If we found a space that met our needs, we couldn't afford it. When we found something we could afford, it didn't meet our needs."

Renovations are currently taking place at the new spot. It's getting new paint, child-friendly decorations and a better lit environment. There were no windows in the old spot.

Gwaltney said she hopes they are moved into their new spot by the end of the year.

She realizes the sexual abuse of children is a tough topic for the community.

"But it is happening," she said. "It's sad and tragic. But that's why we're here. We hope they can come to a place and know it's safe and know that we're going to be there for them."

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137