Our Services Include
Crisis Intervention
A 24 hour crisis line allows victims and their caregivers or friends to talk with specially trained staff.
To speak to someone or request further services from Silverleaf, please dial (270) 234-9236, or toll-free at 1-877-672-2124.
We also participate in the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). You may contact them at 1-800-656-HOPE for a national rape crisis line.
Counseling
Mental health professionals are available for short-term individual and family therapy with victims and their non-offending caregivers.
We pride ourselves on providing specialized trauma-informed, evidence based practices to all our clients.
Victim Advocacy
Trained advocates assist victims throughout the court system by orienting them to its complexities and acting as a liaison with prosecutors and investigators.
If you would like contact with an advocate, please call the office. Advocates provide support and information, NOT legal advice or legal assistance.
Forensic Interviews
A forensic interview provided to a child or an adult is a structured form of questioning for the purpose of gathering information to further the criminal investigation of an abuse allegation.
Silverleaf will directly provide an interview as well as host interviews for other trained professionals. The Elizabethtown office has victim friendly child and adult interview rooms equipped with closed circuit audiovisual capabilities. Referrals for forensic interviews must be requested by social services personnel or law enforcement.
Medical Examinations and Victim Support
Forensic evidence collection exams can be completed up to 96 hours after an assault at any emergency room in Kentucky.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) receive specialized training to complete sexual assault exams. A Silverleaf representative will be available for support when consent is given by the patient. Additionally, medical services can be provided at Silverleaf’s Elizabethtown location by appointment.
Multidisciplinary Teams
Child physical and sexual abuse cases are staffed using a multidisciplinary team approach.
Several members from different disciplines including Children’s Advocacy Center Staff, Law Enforcement, Social Services, Prosecutors, School Systems, Mental Health Therapists, and Forensic Interviewers collaborate together to make recommendations to assist the child and his or her family with healing. The best interest of the child is ALWAYS the main priority.
Community Education
Silverleaf provides education and training programs to child, adolescent, and adult groups, as well as professionals.
Education on the statewide violence prevention program, Green Dot, is also available.
Consultation, Information, and Referral
Consultations are provided with various professionals and agencies regarding programmatic and general sexual assault and sexual abuse issues, including facilitating the development and implementation of multidisciplinary team investigations.
Assistance is also available to direct victims and family members to appropriate resources.
What Should I Do If I Know A Child Is Being Abused?
STEP 1: Believe the Child!
STEP 2: Respond in a calm, matter-of-fact voice
STEP 3: Assure the child it was not his/her fault and that no matter what happened you still love them.
STEP 4: Let the child know you are a safe person to talk to.
STEP 5: Listen carefully to the child without suggesting answers.
STEP 6: Please note that this conversation may be difficult for both you and the child.
STEP 7: Acknowledge the child's discomfort and praise the child for his/her courage in talking about the abuse.
STEP 8: Next, GET HELP. Sexual abuse is against the law. Report the abuse to your local social services office, law enforcement agency, or commonwealth and/or county attorney's office.
STEP 9: YOUR REPORT MAY BE WHAT STOPS THE ABUSE FROM HAPPENING AGAIN.
