Winneshiek Medical Center nurses trained to help survivors of sexual assault

Winneshiek Medical Center trained sexual assault nurse examiners are Elizabeth Pfile and Gabrielle Flynt (seated) and Amy Pfister and Jen Kinson (standing)

No one ever expects to be sexually assaulted. But sexual assault happens at alarmingly high rates in every community.

During April—"National Sexual Assault Awareness Month"--a team of Winneshiek Medical Center nurses wants to get the word out that help is available to survivors.

Four trained sexual assault nurse examiners provide care to survivors of sexual assault around the clock through the emergency department--Gabrielle Flynt, Amy Pfister, Elizabeth Pfile and Jen Kinson.

"Our purpose is to give survivors a safe place to turn during their time of need. We provide a physical exam that will maintain the survivor's safety and personal dignity, while collecting necessary evidence should they choose to pursue legal matters," says Pfister.

Phile says, "If someone is a survivor of sexual assault, we want them to come to the WMC Emergency department within five days of the assault for an exam. The exam is provided free of charge to the survivor, and we can connect them with resources who will help begin the healing process."