Donated clothing offered to sexual assault victims LAKEWOOD - Sexual assault is a devastating and life-altering event for victims and their families. Often times, following a physical examination in a hospital emergency department, victims of sexual assault are asked to leave their clothing as evidence to be analyzed by law enforcement officials. Rather than discharge victims home, most of whom are female, wearing a simple hospital gown, the Kimball Medical Center Auxiliary has raised funds to supplement the purchase of clothing and shoes for patients who have suffered a sexual assault. A specially designated group of nurses who are trained and certified to conduct these examinations are working with Kimball Medical Center volunteer Auxilian Carol Hofmann to see that these patients have comfortable clothing to wear when they leave the hospital, according to a press release. Recognizing the delicate nature of sexual assault, nearly 10 years ago New Jersey legislation was enacted requiring counties to use specially trained and certified registered nurses during emergency medical examinations. As a direct result of that legislation, a statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program was established. Kimball Medical Center's SANE nurses are hoping to boost the self-esteem and dignity of sexual assault victims by providing them with an alternative clothing option once they are ready to leave the hospital, according to the press release. The SANE nurses are part of Ocean County's Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). SART is county funded and involves a multidisciplinary approach that typically includes SANE nurses, law enforcement officers and activist/counselors. "The Kimball Medical Center Auxiliary has helped to raise the initial funds to purchase comfortable sweat suits, however, additional funding is required to help ensure that we can provide for the needs of everyone who is in need," Hofmann said. "Victims of sexual assault are often dealing with a myriad of feelings and emotions in addition to the physical harm that has been done to them. We've seen that a gesture as seemingly small as offering a sweat suit for them to wear home makes a big difference," said Marie Paskewich, director, Patient Care Services, Emergency Department. Community members who would like to donate to this cause should contact the Kimball Medical Center Auxiliary at (732) 886-GIFT (4438).