SPEAK
Sexual Assault &
Domestic Violence Program

About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime. The SPEAK Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Program is available to provide care and support if you’ve been a victim of this type of violence.

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Who We Are

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Since September 2016, the Cavern City Advocacy Center has been providing forensic exam services to South Eddy County. The forensic exam program includes specially-trained registered nurses and victim advocates who care for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and address their unique, complex needs.

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What We Do

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Our forensic nurses are available for SANE and Domestic Violence exams at any time, day or night – every day of the year. Our nurses provide care to victims of sexual assault, sex trafficking, domestic violence, strangulation, elder abuse, physical abuse and other forms of violence. Nurses can also perform sexual assault exams for patients who are unsure about filing a police report. A person seeking services through the SPEAK program may receive any part, or all of our services at no cost.

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While we have helped a great deal of people needing our services, we also recognize that there are many in our community that aren't aware of our services. This recently challenged us to focus on outreach and education on a larger scale to make sure everyone knows about our services - leading to our program naming. SPEAK addresses the larger message of Spreading Public Education, Awareness, and Knowledge. 

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Medical Forensic Exams

Call 24/7- 575-303-7070

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Medical forensic exams address health and safety issues and include the collection of any potential evidence from an assault.

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Nurses services include:

• A Confidential Medical Exam

• Assess and Document Injuries

• Evidence Collection

• Pregnancy Prevention and Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections

• Provide education about potential health risks and concerns related to an assault

• Safety Planning

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Nurses may also:

• Coordinate with Law Enforcement IF the patient chooses to report

• Provide expert witness testimony in court when necessary

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Victim Advocacy

SPEAK to an advocate, anytime- 575-303-7072

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Our advocates can help victims of crime understand their rights and connect them with needed resources after they are seen by the forensic nurse. Our victim advocates can provide their services even if a victim does not undergo an exam.

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Advocates may assist with:​

• Filing victim’s compensation claims

• Obtaining orders of protection

• Developing a safety plan

• Court accompaniment

• Follow-up for counseling

• Referrals to other community resources

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Victim Advocates are also available to assist with:​

• Unaccompanied victims without a source of support, especially victims who have no other advocacy support

• Victims who choose not to report to police

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If you have a medical emergency or would like to file a police report, call 9-1-1