Mary’s Place opens new forensic medical unit

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Mary's Place Sexual Assault Center of the Coastal Empire, formally known as the Rape Crisis Center, has officially opened up its forensic unit.

Executive director, Doris Williams, told News 3 this has been a long-awaited upgrade.

With the help of supporters and grants, the center was able to fund and furnish additional examination rooms, restrooms and counseling suites.

"It's amazing how the community really rallies around you when you are in need and you call out to the need...," Williams said, "and they came and supported us."

The unit was originally located in local hospitals, but in 2020 hospitals needed the additional space to house COVID-19 patients.

"We had 48 hours to remove our items and create an onsite SANE exam room, which is sexual assault nurse examiners," Williams said. "We have contract services with nurses in our area that provide that resource for our clients"

Mary's Place serves seven counties in the region: Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, Long, and Tattnall. Williams said that being able to finally offer the proper resources on their site is a win-win for everyone.

"We meet people at a very dark time in their life, and sometimes they're alone and it's just our SANE nurses, law enforcement and our advocates that they have here to support them," she said. "And anything that can cause them less stress in a moment like that and make them feel more safe and secure is our goal. And unless they have extenuating injuries or things that require a doctor exam as well, then we're able to offer their services here."