Basic Necessities for Sexual Assault Survivors

St. Vincent’s Medical Center received a donation of brand-new sweatsuits and undergarments for survivors who arrive at the hospital for a sexual assault examination.

This is the first of three deliveries to Hartford HealthCare Hospitals. Future donations will be delivered to The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain and Midstate Hospital in Meriden. Another delivery of sweatsuits and undergarments will be delivered to Safe Haven of Greater Waterbury. These donations are a result of a specific clothing drive organized to support victims of sexual assault.

Tara Flynn, an administrative assistant with St. Vincent’s Department of Medicine and a member of the non-profit Jane Doe No More, co-spearheaded this important initiative. "We wanted to do something meaningful to provide even the smallest bit of dignity to someone going through a scary situation," says Flynn who is a sexual assault survivor herself.

Why these items matter so much

In the event of a sexual assault, a survivor’s clothing is often collected as evidence, leaving them with little to wear in the immediate aftermath. Thanks to an outpouring of support, including a significant contribution from Hanes, the drive has collected hundreds of brand-new sweatsuits and undergarments providing comfort and dignity to survivors as they begin their recovery.

Tara Flynn, an administrative assistant with St. Vincent’s Department of Medicine and a member of the non-profit Jane Doe No More, co-spearheaded this important initiative. "We wanted to do something meaningful to provide even the smallest bit of dignity to someone going through a scary situation," says Flynn who is a sexual assault survivor herself.

Watch Tara’s interview on WTNH

Jane Doe No More, Inc. in Naugatuck, CT, is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to improve society’s response to victims of sexual crimes.