In 1999 six reports of sexually violent crimes were made to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. In 2000 twenty-one reports came in. 2001 saw thirty-five. Reporting for the year 2002 may show numbers well into the fifties. Similar trends are apparent at local police departments. If the story stopped here one might draw the conclusion that Franklin County is an unsafe place to live.

On the contrary; Franklin County is a very safe place to live due in large part to a unique response program that has developed a special partnership among several local agencies. This cooperative effort starts a dialog between the victim, law enforcement and support services that address the needs for safety, privacy and medical attention that are often associated with these types of crimes. Due to the deeply personal nature of the feelings of shame and even betrayal that accompanies sexual assault it is essential that each victim have the opportunity to feel safe and believed.

In 1999 grants were awarded to fund a Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Special Investigator position in the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and a Crisis Response Team Coordinator for SAVES. What really makes this program unique is the input from outside of the law enforcement community that helped define the protocols and mission statement for the investigative position.

SAVES Executive Director Janine Winn and AWAP’s Franklin County Outreach Coordinator Aimee DesRoches along with Assistant District Attorney Andy Robinson and then-Deputy Sheriff Mark Cayer led a team of professionals that crafted an officer’s guidebook that defines not only the methods for dealing with criminal suspects but also sets up a procedure to prioritize the victim’s needs. The team also developed a plan to make sure that each victim receives optimal service from each response agency. This includes law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office, medical and mental health agencies, and support services such as SAVES and AWAP.

A sexual assault victim’s first plea for help may fall upon the compassionate ears of Detective David St. Laurent of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. St. Laurent brings a great deal of sensitivity along with solid understanding of victim issues with him to his position as the Sexual Assault Special Investigator.  With competent investigative training combined with skillful interrogations of suspects, St. Laurent has been a key figure in helping to bring some level of closure to victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse.  The investigative process under the directions of Assistant District Attourney Robinson requiring  thorough and complete police reports along with highly qualified evidentiary collectors, results in more prosecutable cases and convictions.  The fact that the conviction rate is high sends out a strong message that our community will not tolerate domestic and sexual assault crimes.

By putting the victim in touch with Crisis Response Team Coordinator Bonnie Lisherness, St. Laurent closes a crucial loop with the team; facilitating the linking of all available support services. Lisherness maintains contact with the victim throughout the advocacy process by offering such support as attending court hearings and sentencing.

Here in Franklin County we are extremely fortunate to have such a strong and functional dialog between the victim and primary and secondary responders such as the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), SAVES and AWAP with Law Enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office. This level of cooperation helps to ensure the safety, and ultimately the quality of life we so dearly treasure.

24-HOUR HOTLINE
1-800-871-7741

SAVES Inc.
P.O. Box 349
138 Pleasant St
Farmington, Maine 04938
207-778-9522
savesrcc@savesrapecrisis.org