Baptist Health Hardin chalks the walk in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

ELIZABETHTOWN, KY (April 17, 2025) – Baptist Health Hardin’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)/Forensic program held its annual Chalk the Walk event today, where staff, patients, and visitors gathered to write inspirational messages on the hospital’s sidewalks. The event, aimed at raising awareness about sexual assault, is a part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is observed every April.

Since 2020, Baptist Health Hardin’s SANE/Forensic program has hosted Chalk the Walk each year as a way to encourage community involvement and support for survivors of sexual violence.

“Our goal is to raise awareness and let survivors know that they are not alone,” said Kristina Tapio, program manager of the SANE/Forensic program. “We want to encourage them to share their experiences, and to assure them that their voices matter. It’s important for survivors to understand that healing is a continuous process, and a journey that can stretch over a lifetime.”

Understanding the Impact of Sexual Violence

Sexual violence, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is “…sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given” (CDC, 2024). The reality of sexual violence is staggering—over half of women and nearly one-third of men experience it in their lifetimes. Its effects extend far beyond physical injuries and can include long-term emotional and psychological consequences.

While visible effects like bruising, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted infections may be evident, many survivors also experience underlying effects such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicidal thoughts. Those who have experienced sexual violence are also at greater risk for engaging in high-risk behaviors like smoking, substance abuse or risky sexual activity. These emotional and psychological scars can hinder a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks, hold a job, or maintain relationships.

It’s important to understand that sexual violence can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Often, the perpetrator is someone the victim knows—be it a spouse, domestic partner, friend, coworker, or even a family member.

About the SANE/Forensic Program

A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse trained to care for victims of sexual assault. SANEs perform forensic exams, provide medical treatment, preserve critical evidence, and testify in legal cases when needed.

The SANE program at Baptist Health Hardin began in 2012 and has seen tremendous growth, providing care to more than 600 patients annually. What started with on-call services for adults and adolescents has expanded to include care for pediatric victims, as well as those impacted by domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, and elder abuse.

As of April 2025, Baptist Health Hardin is one of 25 SANE-Ready hospitals in Kentucky.

“The SANE/Forensic program is here around the clock for anyone affected by any type of violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence and physical abuse – regardless of age,” said Tapio. “We stand united as a community against violence and are committed to raising awareness to prevent it. Together, we can send a message that our community will not tolerate violence.”

For more information or resources, those affected by sexual violence can contact the SANE/Forensic helpline at 270.979.7233. For emergencies, please visit the nearest emergency department.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sexual Violence Fast Facts – About Sexual Violence | Sexual Violence Prevention | CDC