Austin’s SAFE Alliance has announced the revival of its forensic exam program for sexual assault survivors, set to begin on January 3, 2027, following a new partnership aimed at improving access to crucial medical services.
The nonprofit organization had previously suspended its Eloise House clinic in May due to a budget shortfall of nearly $2 million, which impacted its ability to conduct approximately 600 exams annually. CEO Pierre Berastain emphasized the importance of providing survivors with options beyond traditional hospital settings, advocating for a multi-provider model to enhance service accessibility.
In light of the clinic’s closure, Mayor Kirk Watson noted that the Brave Alliance, another local entity, would collaborate with hospitals to ensure forensic exams continued to be available. However, Berastain expressed a desire to establish a more robust system that truly offers survivors a range of choices in their care.
Through the new collaboration with the Forensic Center of Excellence, which operates under the Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners (TxFNE), the SAFE Alliance will facilitate access to forensic exams and connect survivors with essential resources and support services. This partnership will also provide funding and necessary staffing for the Eloise House.
Khara Breeden, founder and CEO of the Forensic Center of Excellence, highlighted the organization’s growth since its inception in Houston in 2019, now encompassing over 200 facilities across Texas, including upcoming expansions into Austin. She emphasized the importance of SAFE Alliance as a safe haven for survivors seeking help.
Breeden expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Together, we will ensure Austin survivors have access to expert, compassionate care when they need it most.” The Eloise House has been a crucial resource for sexual assault survivors for five decades, providing medical care and legal advocacy.
Through the forensic exams, nurses gather vital evidence that assists law enforcement and legal authorities in addressing sexual violence cases. Although the forensic examination services were halted in May, Berastain confirmed that other support services, such as counseling, legal assistance, and shelter, have continued to operate despite financial challenges.
“A survivor might come for a forensic examination, but they might stay for counseling and therapeutic services. They might stay for legal assistance. They might stay for shelter,” Berastain explained. “The forensic exam is part of it, but often it becomes an entry point into a lifelong engagement with healing and services they need.”
