Overview
- A plan announced Tuesday by Mayor Kirk Watson shifts forensic sexual-assault exams to Ascension Seton, Baylor Scott & White and St. David’s in partnership with the Brave Alliance.
- SAFE Alliance, citing a $4 million shortfall, is stepping back from most exams and preparing termination notices to partners as it winds down its Eloise House program.
- Brave Alliance said it will staff 24/7 services with victim-centered care, though it does not operate a community exam site in Austin and may need funding to run one.
- Advocates warn hospital-based exams can mean longer waits, more staff to recount trauma to and bills for facility fees or other care even though the exam itself is free by law.
- Eloise House handled about 95% of Travis County’s exams, roughly 600 a year, with evidence used by police and prosecutors, and survivor advocacy during recovery is expected to continue.