The Casper Police Department (CPD) has partnered with the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (WOGCC) to create Sexual Assault Care Packages.

The packages are part of the ‘SANE’ program at Wyoming Medical Center. ‘SANE’ stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, a nurse with specialized training in treating victims of sexual abuse and is typically the victim’s first contact with an authority figure after a traumatic event.

The packages contain personal hygiene items and clothing for victims to change into after receiving treatment at WMC.

Leslie Fritzler is the Victim Services Specialist with the CPD. Her team’s goal is to help victims of sexual assault be as comfortable and feel as supported as possible.

“When victims of sexual assault arrive for a medical assessment, their clothing is typically taken in as evidence. Sometimes, that means the victims are leaving the hospital in scrubs. These care packages allow them to change into non-identifiable clothing and have a moment to take care of themselves after going through a traumatic event.” Fritzler said.

DeeAnne Parker is the Office Support Specialist with the WOGCC.

“There are numerous well known non-profit organizations that receive tremendous support from the Casper community – and we have held drives for many of them. However, sexual assault is a very sensitive and sometimes uncomfortable topic. CPD Victim Services provides assistance to those that need care and compassion during a very difficult time. The employees at WOGCC were honored to contribute to such a meaningful and valuable program – especially during Sexual Assault Awareness Month,” Parker said.

This effort is part of recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness month and the on-going ‘Start by Believing’ campaign. This campaign is geared towards changing the culture around sexual assault by asking people to simply start by believing victims of sexual assault.

Thank you to WOGCC for your partnership! #BetterTogether