April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month sponsored by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. As part of the national awareness initiative, Cass County Health System wants to help spread the message that local help is available for any victims of sexual assault. Darci Young, RN is a Forensic Nurse Examiner. She has completed both sexual assault training and a clinical program in forensic examinations. Young is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to perform forensic exams.

Darci Young, FNE for CCHS

If someone is a victim of sexual assault in Cass County, it is important that they come to the Emergency Department at Cass County Memorial Hospital within 72 hours of the assault for an exam. The exams are done at zero cost to the victim. The State of Iowa’s Sexual Abuse Examination Payment Program pays for the cost of the forensic exam to ensure that all evidence is collected correctly, but it also pays for the cost to “assure the well-being of the victim.” It should also be noted, that the state program pays for any sexual assault examination whether or not the victim reports the crime to law enforcement.

In addition to performing exams, Darci Young will help the victim find resources such as counseling, support groups, and confidential shelters. She typically works with The Phoenix House, a domestic violence shelter and sexual abuse program.