CHC/SEK Launches Specialized Support for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence

In rural areas, the incidence of sexual violence against women – and men – occurs at a rate equal to or higher than those who life in urban areas. Community Health Centers of Southeast Kansas has developed a program to assist those who have suffered from abuse. (Wix file photo)

Press release

PITTSBURG, Kan.—No one should have to face the aftermath of domestic or sexual violence alone—and thanks to expanded services from the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK), help is now closer than ever.

The numbers behind these experiences are sobering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of women and more than one in six men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetimes. In rural communities, domestic violence and sexual assault occur at rates equal to or higher than in urban areas. Due to a lack of services and resources, the impact on rural survivors is often more severe. Many cases also go unreported, which means the true number of people affected is likely far greater than statistics can capture. 

The ripple effects of these crimes touch every part of a survivor's life, impacting their children, families, work, and sense of safety in the world.

“As a result of these crimes, survivors’ mental health is often impacted, but there are frequently unmet medical needs too. Together, these can impact their everyday lives in so many ways,” said Keri Thompson, RN, CHC/SEK Forensic & Victim Services Program Manager. “Ensuring each person gets the compassionate care they need, when they need it, is vital to the healing process.”

Ensuring access to timely care is central to the mission of CHC/SEK, which has expanded its services and support for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

CHC/SEK has created a dedicated new team—including a program manager and forensic nurse, nurse case manager, and community health worker—to support survivors and their children as they receive the care they need.

At CHC/SEK, care extends beyond medical treatment. The team will also coordinate wraparound services such as dental care, transportation, and behavioral health support—with trauma-informed care woven throughout.

“People’s lives can be challenging. In addition to the ‘regular’ medical issues, a person's past experiences and trauma shape their health and how they live in the world, including in healthcare settings,” Thompson said. “Trauma-informed care means recognizing these complexities, caring for the whole person, and being careful not to retraumatize them. Receiving trauma-informed healthcare can give survivors a sense of safety, control, and a chance to rebuild trust that's often fractured by abuse.”

CHC/SEK is also working to strengthen the broader community safety net. Through partnerships with Safehouse Crisis Center, law enforcement, and other local organizations, a Community Response Team will be established to improve communication, identify gaps in services, and ensure that every survivor receives a consistent, compassionate response.

Training opportunities for healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community partners will further support this unified approach. 

“We know this is an issue that all communities face. Many of the people who walk through our clinic doors are survivors,” said Thompson. “No one should suffer in silence. We want survivors to know that we're here to care for them and help them stay safe as they work through the process of healing. Their well-being is our top priority.”

These efforts are made possible by two grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women and Office for Victims of Crime. 

For more information, call the CHC/SEK Forensic & Victim Services Hotline at 620-240-5090. 

For those who are experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, local support is available 24/7/365 through Safehouse Crisis Center by calling 800-794-9148 or texting 620-670-0754.