RAPE CRISIS CENTER HOPED FOR FUTURE

The Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, in the organizing stages for the past year, is ready to take action.

In February, the non-profit organization will sponsor training for registered nurses and hopes to announce a location for rape crisis center in Cape Girardeau.

About a year ago, representatives from medical, law enforcement and social service fields created the sexual assault advocacy group to serve victims in Cape Girardeau County.

"Unfortunately there is a need," said Kathy Blevins, a nurse practitioner. Blevins is trained to evaluate children who may be victims of sexual or physical abuse.

The group has been working to raise awareness and money to address the problem.

Blevins said the network is currently negotiating for office space in Cape Girardeau and hopes to make an announcement next month.

On Feb. 24 through 27, training will be offered to registered nurses in the area. They will learn how to conduct physical exams on those who have allegedly been sexually abused or raped.

The training includes information on evidence collection needed for criminal cases.

Kathy Bell, a registered nurse with the Tulsa, Okla., police department, will conduct training. Additional sessions will be provided by local experts.

The cost of the February nurses' training is $300, but the registration fee can be waived or lowered in some circumstances.

The training is part of the network's goal to have a team of specialists available whenever a sexual assault or rape occurs. The team would include nurses and physicians, counselors and law enforcement, and a team would be available 24 hours, seven day a week.

Currently, if victims seek treatment, they usually go to a hospital emergency room. "An ER is not set up to meet the emotional needs of the victim," Blevins said. "They do what they can, but a sexual assault center can offer so much more."

The center would look like a doctor's office.

"People want confidentiality," Blevins said. "They want to feel safe. They want to be confident a center is set up to meet their needs."

In many cases, victims of sexual assault do not have medical problems that require emergency room care. But Blevins said, victims need a support system and someone to follow up.

National statistics say that only 20 percent of all rapes are reported, making it the most under-reported violent crime in the country.

One in three women and one in eight men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.

"People say to me, `Do you expect me to believe that?' Yes.," Blevins said.

In 1996-97, 53 rapes were reported in Cape Girardeau County and 43 of those were determined to be founded, which means evidence was found to substantiate the claim.

In 1997-98, 54 rapes were reported and 49 were founded.

"We are interested in breaking the cycle," she said. "We hope to get children into counseling and hopefully break the cycle."

The organization expects to treat people from throughout Southeast Missouri.

The network has received a community assistance grant. Donors to the organization receive a state tax credit.

A number of donations, including computer equipment and furnishings, have already been secured. But additional money is needed.

To register for the nurses' training or for information about the network write the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence, P.O. Box 1341, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701, or call Blevins at (573) 334-7006.