Assault Survivor Kits®

Sexual assault survivors are often discharged from emergency rooms with only a hospital gown to wear because their clothes are needed as evidence. Since 1993, Assistance League volunteers have helped to ease some of the immediate stress and emotional pain by providing Assault Survivor Kits. In 2022-23, Assistance League members assembled 805 kits for use by hospital emergency departments statewide. The kits included a tee shirt, sweatpants or leggings, under garments, socks, and a toiletry kit containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb, lip balm and shampoo. When surveyed, 70% of patients felt the kits provided needed items and 90% of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE nurses) stated the kits provided patients comfort and care.

Assistance League also provides sheets and blankets through the Minneapolis Police Sex Crimes Unit to survivors whose bedding is taken as evidence and is in need of replacement.

In addition, we partner with “Sojourner Project of Minnetonka.” Sojourner is a nonprofit organization offering temporary emergency residence for women (and their children) who are unsafe in their homes due to violence and abuse. Sojourner provides programs and services to promote healing and the support to achieve increased safety for the women and their families. Assistance League provides basic needs for the residents and for the facility.
ASK packers