Help At The Hospital

VIBS' Emergency Room Companion Program serves as a crucial point-of-contact for survivors of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence.

ERC's (Emergency Room Companions) are specially trained volunteers who are on call 24 hours a day to meet victims of all ages at hospital emergency rooms. These volunteers provide non-judgmental emotional support, a change of clothes, information and referrals.

Contact with an ERC makes it more likely that the survivor will take advantage of VIBS' services such as advocacy or counseling. By offering practical help and comfort, ERC's help survivors begin to heal.

To request an ERC to meet you at any hospital in Suffolk County, at any time of the day or night, simply call the Hotline at (631) 360-3606, or ask the SANE Center or hospital to call VIBS.

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program (SANE) joins medical, legal and emotional support to assist sexual assault survivors. Its approach honors victims' rights to make choices about medical and emotional care and legal prosecution.

The first SANE Center opened in Suffolk County at Good Samaritan Hospital in 1999, followed by John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in 2000 (no longer in operation), and Peconic Bay Medical Center, formerly Central Suffolk Hospital, in 2005. The SANE Centers continue to assist survivors through this sensitive team approach.

The SANE Centers provide victim-centered care, a private setting, medical evaluation, preventive medication for pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted diseases, evidence collection and storage, and change of clothes and use of a shower.

SANE is a collaboration among VIBS, Suffolk County Nurse Examiners, the Police Departments of Suffolk County, the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, Peconic Bay Medical Center and Stony Brook Medical Center.