Center of Hope

Group of four diverse individuals

Care for victims of abuse or violence

Since 1998, the Center of Hope at Community Health Network has been dedicated to caring for victims of violence, abuse or neglect, especially sexual assault and interpersonal violence. The Center of Hope welcomes all victims of violence regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, origin or disability.

We are available 24/7 including weekends/holidays at 317-355-4673. Patients can access our services though the Emergency Departments at Community Hospitals East, North and South or inpatient units.

Center of Hope logoServices

Victims presenting to Community Health Network can be seen by a forensic nurse examiner (FNE) at Community Hospitals East, North, South and Community Heart and Vascular Hospital. The FNE goes to the Community hospital where the victim is receiving care.

The Center of Hope may provide the following services depending on the victim’s unique situation:

  • Medical care
  • Forensic nursing exam
  • Prophylactic medications for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy (as appropriate)
  • Injury identification and documentation
  • Assistance with emergency shelter placement
  • Forensic specimen collection (as appropriate)
  • Crisis intervention services
  • Follow-up medical care post initial exam/visit
  • Safety planning
  • Referrals for community-based resources such as counseling and support groups
Sexual Assault Services

We see and care for adult or adolescent sexual assault victims ages 13 and older. Sexual assault victims receive a forensic nursing exam by the FNE, using a trauma informed care approach, in a private, quiet and compassionate environment. The FNE works one-on-one with a sexual assault victim and his or her support person. Everyone involved in the program has been specially trained and is sensitive to the unique needs of a sexual assault victim.

Our Patients

We serve the following types of patients:

  • Sexual assault victims (adults age 18 and older; adolescents age 13 and older)
  • Domestic/Family/Physical violence or assault
  • Human trafficking
  • Child abuse
  • Endangered adult
  • Elder abuse (age 65 and older)
  • Gunshot/Stabbing wounds
  • Extensive animal bites
  • Motor vehicle fatalities and accidents involving pedestrians
Community Resources

Need help? Please contact us 24/7.

Phone: 317-355-4673 (HOPE)
Email: centerofhope@eCommunity.com

The Center of Hope office is located at Community Hospital East, 1500 N. Ritter Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219.

Mandy's Story

After Mandy was sexually assaulted near her home, she went to the Community East Emergency Room and was connected to Tamera, a forensic nurse examiner at the Center of Hope. Tamera tended to Mandy with compassion and collected detailed evidence that was later used to convict Mandy's assailant.

About

The Community Health Network Center of Hope is one of five Centers of Hope in Marion County, which include St. Vincent Indianapolis, Eskenazi Health, Franciscan St. Francis Health, and IU Health. All of the Centers of Hope work closely with the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, local law enforcement, victim’s assistance, mental health and social service agencies to help victims of sexual assault and interpersonal violence access the services they need. 

The Center of Hope provides information and education about victims of violence, abuse or neglect to the general public, other health professionals, law enforcement and victim advocacy workers.

Forensic Nurse Training

Twice a year the Community Health Network Center of Hope, in collaboration with the four other Marion County Centers of Hope, provides a forensic training course for nurses to become Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). The course meets the International Association of Forensic Nurses Educational Standards for SANE training. Interested nurses may contact the Center of Hope for more details.

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