For the first time ever, sexual assault victims will not have to travel north to seek treatment thanks to the collaborative efforts of Councilwoman Judy Waldman, Homestead Hospital and M.U.J.E.R. (Men and Women United in Justice, Education and Reform).
As of late summer this year, a treatment center will open within the city limits at Homestead Hospital that will administer immediate medical care and counseling services. M.U.J.E.R is assembling a group of trained volunteers and forming a task force known as the Sexual Assault Response Team, or SART, which will provide counseling services at any hour wherein Homestead Hospital will also serve as the location for the counseling after victims have been treated on site.
Councilwoman Waldman announced the partnership and the new service’s hotline during the April City Council special presentations and honored the important work of the two formidable organizations that are uniting to treat victims of sexual assault in the City of Homestead.
Prior to reading a proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Prevention Awareness Month in the City of Homestead, Councilwoman Waldman expressed her gratitude to Caroline Yeardly, representing M.U.J.E.R., and the CEO of Homestead Hospital, Bill DuQuette, who were present.
“I am so grateful to this wonderful group of caring individuals who have the desire and the compassion to see this through for victims in South Dade. Sexual assault continues to be a major social crisis in our society and it affects every child and adult in South Dade as a victim or survivor of this terrible crime,” said Councilwoman Waldman. “We’re so fortunate to have so many people who have stepped up to this challenge to offer healing to those who so desperately need it.”
