Safe Alliance to Resume Forensic Exams in Austin
The provider will return to Eloise House on January 3, 2027, following a partnership with Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Safe Alliance will resume forensic sexual assault exams at Austin's Eloise House on January 3, 2027. This move restores a key resource for the local community after the organization suspended these specific medical services in May 2026.
Why it matters
The new partnership with Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners aims to address the unsustainable staffing and funding model that previously forced a service pause. By expanding access to forensic care, the organizations intend to better support sexual assault survivors in the region.
The new forensic program will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Eloise House. Safe Alliance will continue to maintain its 24/7 advocacy services via its dedicated helpline.
The players
Safe Alliance
This Austin-based non-profit organization provides support services, housing, and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Eloise House
Located in Austin, this facility serves as a specialized site for forensic medical examinations and support for survivors of sexual assault.
Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners
This professional organization provides specialized medical care and forensic evidence collection services for victims of violent crime.
The details
The program utilizes a multi-provider model to reduce long-term reliance on philanthropic funding. During the service suspension, forensic needs in Austin were addressed by Brave Alliance and other hospital partners.
Timeline
May 2026: Safe Alliance stopped offering forensic exams.
January 3, 2027: Forensic exams resume at Eloise House.
Legal Context
The resumption of services at Eloise House marks a direct reversal of the 2026 suspension of forensic exams at the facility. This restoration addresses a critical gap in local justice infrastructure that emerged after Safe Alliance previously provided 95% of central Texas forensic exams.
Survivors in the Austin area will regain access to essential forensic care at a centralized location starting in early 2027. This change increases the availability of specialized medical evidence collection services for the local public.
The takeaway
The return of these services provides a more stable framework for forensic care in Austin. Residents should note that while forensic exams return in January, the organization maintains its 24/7 advocacy helpline for immediate assistance.
What happens next
Forensic exams are scheduled to resume operations at Eloise House on January 3, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on support and resources, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KEYE.
