What We Do
Forensic Medical Exams
A forensic medical examination is an exam performed to collect evidence for law enforcement and assess victims for potential injuries and health needs. A trained victim advocate is present at each medical exam to provide support and crisis intervention to the victim, their friends, and family. Victims may have an advocate accompany them through as much or as little of the exam as they choose. The exam is performed by specially trained RN’s called S.A.N.E.’s.
If an assault has occurred in the last 120 hours, and you would like to request a forensic medical exam, please call our
24/7 Crisis Line: 1-866-489-2225
The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is a specially trained, certified nurse who collects evidence for law enforcement. The S.A.N.E. program is designed for registered nurses or nurse practitioners interested in providing forensic medical assessment and care to adult and adolescent survivors of sexual assault.
Goals for you & your child:
- Working with the legal and court system to protect and help you and your child
- Contacting you to other resources
- Providing emotional support along the process
- Informing you of your rights
- Helping you navigate the protective and legal systems
Children's Advocacy
Children’s Advocacy Centers were created in 1985 in order to ensure the system’s response to child victims was both efficient and sensitive to the unique needs of children and their families.
The Teal House serves as the Child Advocacy Center for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit. As a result, we work with Law Enforcement and the Division of Family and Children Services in Bulloch, Effingham, Jenkins, and Screven Counties. We provide forensic interviews, crisis response, advocacy, and referrals to children and their families in cases of physical abuse, sexual abuse, witness to domestic violence, and witness to violent crimes.
Forensic Interviewing
A Forensic Interview is a non-biased information gathering interview provided to children from ages 3 to 17. The interview is done by a forensic interviewer who has specialized training in interviewing kids about sensitive issues such as physical and sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence, and witnessing violent crimes. Forensic interviews are performed in a kid-friendly setting to help your child feel at ease during the process.
Forensic Interviews are available only at the request of Law Enforcement and the Division of Family and Children Services.
If you believe your child may have experienced abuse please make a report to the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services by calling 1-855-GA-CHILD and/or contact the police department in the location the suspected abuse occurred.
Crisis Line & Advocates
The crisis line provides support and information to victims of sexual assault as well as their family and friends. The crisis line is supported by trained volunteers and staff. This service is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have been Sexually Assaulted at any time in your life, you are eligible for our services.
All services are confidential and free of charge.
WHAT IS AN ADVOCATE?
Advocates are volunteers and staff members who are trained to provide emotional support and crisis response to victims of sexual assault.
Our Advocates Provide:
• 24 Hour Crisis Line Support
• Medical Accompaniment for Forensic Medical Exams
• Information & Referral to The Teal House Services & Community Resources
• Advocacy
• Legal Support & Accompaniment
Emotional Support
Join The Teal House every Wednesday via Zoom for a free virtual support group.
This meeting will be dedicated to 18+ survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence. Receive support, talk to trained advocates/other survivors, and take part in the safe space we will provide to talk openly. Our support group kickoff will be on Thursday, April 8th at 5:00 pm.
If you have any questions about the support group, please feel free to email outreach@thetealhouse.org. If you would like to register to participate, please email
executivedirector@thetealhouse.org.
(Zoom link will be provided through email registration to ensure the confidentiality of the group)
Community Outreach & Education
The Teal House offers community outreach and awareness programs in Bulloch and surrounding counties. We can provide education and information on a number of topics including:
• Our Services & Community Resources
• Sexual Assault Awareness, Prevention, & Education
• Child Abuse Awareness, Prevention, & Education
• Information on Trauma and Recovery
• Boundaries & Body Safety
• Violence Prevention & More!
If you are interested in scheduling a presentation about our services,
or having us attend your meeting or community event, please email the Community Outreach Coordinator, Colby Hatten at outreach@thetealhouse.org or contact our office at (912)489-6060.
