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Tammy Vincent, longtime advocate for SWLA sexual assault survivors, passes away.Tammy Vincent, longtime advocate for SWLA sexual assault survivors, passes away LAKE CHARLES, La.(KPLC) - Tammy Vincent, an advocate for sexual assault survivors in Southwest Louisiana, has passed away.Vincent founded the SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) Program at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.The program was the first of its kind in our area, helping treat victims in the critical moments after they were assaulted, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Vincent began her career as a registered nurse at LCMH in 1992.Vincent served as the coordinator of the SANE program and the Sexual Assault Research Team (SART) “She saw a need that others were not yet addressing: a safe, respectful, trauma-informed place for survivors of sexual assault to receive care, and she refused to let that need go unmet,” LCMH wrote in a statement.“Through her determination, she brought together healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and advocates, helping create a response system centered on dignity, belief, and healing.” Multiple agencies and professionals reacted to the news of Vincent’s passing.The Westlake Fire Department said Vincent’s work “reflected the very best of healthcare and community service - leading with empathy, respect, and compassion for others.” “Nurse Vincent served Vernon Parish victims of sexual assault for many years with professionalism as well as always doing the utmost to maintain the dignity of the victim,” the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.“Tammy changed lives.She saw a need others didn’t and refused to let it go unmet.Through her determination, countless survivors received the dignity, respect, and advocacy they deserved,” Lake Charles Attorney Dustan Abshrie said.Copyright 2026 KPLC.All rights reserved.