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What Is NACASA?
The Northern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault (NACASA) is a medical forensic program housed at North Country HealthCare. We provide medical forensic examinations for victims of sexual assault. We serve Coconino, Navajo, and Apache Counties as well as the Navajo and Hopi Nations, and Grand Canyon National Park. We have are staffed by volunteer nurses and doctors who are specially trained in medical forensics for sexual assault.
What is a medical forensic examination?
A medical forensic examination is first and foremost a medical examination. Victims of sexual assault need comprehensive care to address both their physical and emotional traumas. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are trained to provide both. During a medical forensic examination the victim of sexual assault receives a thorough head to toe examination during which all physical injuries are documented and biological evidence is collected that later is sent to the crime lab. The history of the assault is taken and documented by the SANE. Examinations take place in a quiet, confidential room without interruption. Patient care and comfort is the top priority. If it gets to be too much the patient can stop the examination process at anytime.
If I am sexually assaulted what do I do to get an examination?
Medical forensic examinations are paid for by the county attorney’s office or the FBI. If you have been a victim of sexual assault you need to report your assault to law enforcement in order to receive an examination. Contacting the police after a sexual assault can be frightening and difficult. Victim/Witness Services of Coconino County has advocates available to assist victims through the process. They can be reached at (928) 779-6163. You can also call Jessica Pope, the NACASA Coordinator at (928) 213-6112.
Who do I contact for more information?
Jessica Pope
NACASA Coordinator
North Country HealthCare
2920 N. 4th Street
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
(928) 213-6112 phone
(928) 380-2306 cell
jpope@northcountryhealthcare.org
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