New Minneapolis clinic provides safe space for sexual assault exams, outside traditional ER settings

Many survivors of sexual violence receive what’s called a sexual assault forensic exam to collect evidence for law enforcement. These exams can take hours and they usually happen in an emergency room... which can be a harsh environment to spend the hours after a traumatic experience. A new clinic in Minneapolis will be the first in the Twin Cities to provide an alternative, with more focus on healing and follow-up treatment. Sahan Journal recently reported on the effort by Southside Community Health Services. And the organization’s medical director Sheila Kennedy joined Minnesota Now to talk about it.