CULLMAN, Ala. – Victim Services of Cullman is offering an opportunity for fans of classic and custom vehicles to visit the candy shop as the organization hosts a car, truck and bike show at the Cullman County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7.
“Anything with wheels is welcome!” said Victim Services’ Pam Brown. “After being shut in for over a year due to COVID-19, we are excited to be able to host an event for the entire community to come out and enjoy.”
The event will feature vehicles, food vendors, a bouncy house for children and raffle prizes including two tickets to Rock the South.
All proceeds from this event will help fund Victim Services’ Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program, which will provide rape victims with individualized care in a private facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
According to a statement from Victim Services, “Currently, local rape victims are forced to travel to Birmingham or Huntsville for a sexual assault forensic exam or ‘rape kit.’ The sooner an exam is performed after the rape, the more accurate the evidence will be. By utilizing the SANE program, the amount of time spent for examination and treatment can be reduced significantly.”
Victim Services Director Carol Horstman told The Tribune, “Many choose not to seek medical care due to lack of transportation or the possibility of having to wait hours for an exam.
“Victim Services is working to change that by creating a SANE room and hiring a SANE nurse to come on board as well. SANE nurses undergo specialized training to perform sexual assault forensic exams, while also providing survivors with the gentleness, compassion and warmth they need as they seek to move forward from a traumatic situation. Forensic exams for victims of strangulation will also be performed at the facility.”
The SANE nurse will perform an exam to collect evidence and perform a physical exam. Medications will also be given to help prevent transmission of disease. Patients will be given information about where to go for medical follow-up, their rights as a victim, and additional services such as counseling and victim advocacy to support them as they recover.
Victim Services will offer SANE services at no charge for adult residents of Cullman and Winston counties and surrounding areas.
Victim Services hopes to open its SANE Room in the fall of 2021.
“We want local victims of sexual assault to have a safe place where they can receive the most up-to-date, confidential and trauma-informed medical care,” said Horstman. “Not only will they have that once we get our SANE room up and running, but they will also have access to Victim Services’ trained advocates and counseling services. If the victim chooses to report the crime, a private room will be available for law enforcement interviews. An advocate will be with the victim throughout the entire process and will be available to provide support and information as they continue the healing journey.
“Prioritizing the needs of survivors by creating a ‘one-stop-shop’ where they can receive immediate medical care along with all the other available resources will be a huge benefit to the entire community.”
Event sponsors include Black Sheep Backyard, J & S Mobile Repair, Cullman Bounce House & Party Rentals, Domino’s Pizza and Pepsi Cola Co.
Get involved
If you cannot attend but still want to support Victim Services, Horstman suggested ways the community can help with the SANE project:
- Donate! Tax-deductible monetary contributions can be mailed to Victim Services, P.O. Box 416, Cullman AL, 35056 or dropped off at the Victim Services offices – 310 Third Ave. NE Cullman, AL 35055. The names of businesses, civic clubs, churches, individuals and others who contribute to the SANE Program will be memorialized on a plaque that will permanently hang in the SANE facility. In addition, special recognition will be given during the SANE Room’s grand opening this fall.
- Become a SANE volunteer. VSC offers training to volunteers to provide support to survivors.
- Join the team of on-call SANE nurses. Current SANEs or RNs interested in SANE training are encouraged to apply.
For information about volunteering or becoming a SANE nurse, call 256-775-2600.
At a glance
Victim Services of Cullman, Inc. Car, Truck and Bike Show
Saturday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Admission is free
Vehicle Registration:
Early registration – $20 at https://www.victimservices.online
Day of the event – $25
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