POLK COUNTY, Iowa — There were 2,197 sexual assault cases in Iowa last year, according to the FBI. That number doesn't include the many cases that are never reported because victims fear retaliation or they don't want their friends to know.
The Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Center of Iowa could make a big difference and offer a more accurate picture of sexual assault cases in the state.
SAFE Center of Iowa founder Shannon Knudsen said sexual assault reporting nearly tripled in states with similar centers.
People will be able to go to SAFE Center of Iowa 24/7 to get a sexual assault exam. Currently, survivors have to go to hospitals during limited hours to get tested.
“Patients will know where to go to get services,” Knudsen said. “They will know that there's people there who are actually trained that know how to take care of them, people who believe them.”
The center will be the first of its kind for Iowa and will have law enforcement on hand so survivors can make a report, as well as attorneys to help navigate legal matters. Survivors can receive follow-up care including mental health services at the center too.
“They didn't choose for this to happen,” Knudsen said. “So putting all the necessary things that they need in one place really just is the right thing to do. What happened to them shouldn't define the outcome for the rest of their life.”
Local, state and federal agencies are all working on bringing SAFE Center of Iowa to life.
“We're engaging in conversations with really anyone and everyone that we can, which has really been a positive experience for us,” SAFE Center of Iowa board president Brian Flikeid said. “We haven't received any negative feedback. Everyone seems very engaged in this.”
SAFE Center of Iowa will be funded through a combination of local and state funding and community donations. The center will be located within Polk County and the plan is to open within the next couple of years.