The Phoenix Center is an independent, non-profit agency that provides comprehensive services to victims of sexual assaults in Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties. Established in 1996, the Phoenix Center has progressed to a present status of two part-time Nurse Practitioners, on-call Nurse Practitioners, a Master's Level crisis intervention specialist, part-time administrative assistant, a volunteer Medical Director, ten licensed Mental Health Counselors and numerous volunteers. An active Board of Directors consists of community representatives from law Enforcement, Health Care, Education and other interested persons.

Southwest Florida has one of the fastest growing populations in the country. With expansion often comes additional societal problems and threats to personal safety and well-being. One of these problems is that of sexual assault. According to the FBI, rape is one of the most under reported crimes to Law Enforcement. With the increase in population anticipated in the upcoming years, we have no reason to expect that the numbers of sexual assault cases will do anything but increase.

The Phoenix Center provides evidentiary forensic examination to victims 18 years and older in our facility or the ER when physical injuries are substantial. These examinations consist of collection of clothing and specimens for analysis, accurate documentation of injuries sustained during the assault, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and appropriate referral for additional interventions. The nurse practitioners provide expert testimony in those cases that progress to trial. The Phoenix Center also provides counseling to victims of sexual assault. All services provided by the Phoenix Center are free of charge to all victims of this crime.

Education programs to community groups and clubs, health care professionals, law enforcement officers and others is also provided regularly by the staff. In addition, Phoenix Center works with statewide and national organizations to address the needs of victims of sexual assault and other related issues.

The Phoenix Center receives ongoing financial and in-kind support from many local agencies. These SW Florida agencies include the Lee County Sheriff's Office, City of Fort Myers, City of Cape Coral Commission Foundation, Lee Memorial Hospital, SW Regional Hospital and United Way. There are also a number of other clubs, private supporters and donors. The Phoenix Center receives a Federal Grant (VOCA ) allocated through the state Attorney General's Office.

The Phoenix Center is a comprehensive service center for victims of sexual assault. It is important to these victims, their families, our supporters and our community that we continue to provide this service.

The Phoenix Center is a 24 hour 7 day a week collaborative service of forensically trained nurse practitioners, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, crisis intervention specialists and victims advocates to provide first response care to victims of sexual assault. In an effort to give back dignity and control to rape survivors, the Phoenix Center is a caring and confidential setting geared specifically to the survivor's needs.

Our Services Include:

• Evidence collection.
• Sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment.
• Documentation of injuries.
• Follow-up medical care.
• Immediate crisis intervention and telephone counseling.
• Referrals to licensed mental health professionals for counseling services.
• Assistance in the filling of victim's compensation forms.
• Courtroom testimony in regards to evidence findings.

The nurse practitioners on staff are credentialed at local hospitals and alternative care facilities to respond to victims too badly injured to present at the Phoenix Center for treatment. The Phoenix Center surroundings are homey and comforting and assist in the process of healing. A survivor can shower and receive personal care items, as well as clothing after the medical examination.