Austin Police’s Statement on Closure of Safe’s Forensic Exam Services

The Austin Police is aware of SAFE Alliance's announced closure of forensic exam services at Eloise House and understands the concern this has generated among survivors, advocates, and our partners. We want our community to know that we have been preparing for this transition and remain committed to supporting survivors wherever they are in their journey in accessing the crucial care and services they need.

Forensic exam services will continue to be available to survivors in our community. BRAVE Alliance has been a trusted partner to APD and to this community for years. Founded in 2018, BRAVE has provided forensic exam services not only in Williamson County but has consistently stepped in to fill gaps and address capacity constraints in Travis County. As a member of the Austin/Travis County Sexual Assault Response and Resource Team, BRAVE is already deeply embedded in our coordinated community response to sexual assault and has affirmed their commitment to expanding capacity in the months ahead.

APD is grateful for the dedication of the forensic nurses at Eloise House who have cared for survivors with compassion and commitment over the years. The closure of SAFE's forensic exam services represents a loss for our community and our sexual assault survivors, past and future.

The City of Austin and APD have spent years strengthening our coordinated response to sexual assault alongside community partners. The closure of SAFE’s forensic exam services is a setback, but it will not derail progress or our commitment to survivors. We will continue to work with our partners to minimize gaps in support and services for survivors, whether they choose to report to law enforcement or not.

"BRAVE Alliance has been a supportive partner for Austin since 2018, and while we know this transition will not be without difficulty, we are committed to doing everything to keep survivors centered in our work and connected to critical care and services."

— Chief Lisa Davis, Austin Police

Survivors and community members with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact APD Victim Services directly at 512-974-5037. Our Victim Services staff are available to help navigate resources and answer questions during this transition. For additional resources, please visit www.atxbelieves.org.