When survivors of sexual violence seek help in the region, they’re often met with the steady, compassionate presence of Owensboro Health Nurse Molly Lancaster. Her work has now earned statewide recognition.
Lancaster is a sexual assault nurse examiner and was recently honored with the inaugural BRAVE Award, presented by the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs (KASAP) and New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services.
The BRAVE Award — short for Believe, Respect, Advocate, Validate, and Empower — was created to spotlight individuals who go above and beyond in their advocacy for survivors. Each of the 13 regional rape crisis centers in Kentucky selected one honoree.
Lancaster was nominated by staff at New Beginnings, the designated rape crisis center for the GRADD region. Executive Director Karla Ward said the nomination was unanimous.
“When I asked my staff who we should nominate for this award, the emails just kept coming back: ‘Molly, Molly, Molly,’” Ward said. “She’s just been a go-getter, a phenomenal person who understands the needs of survivors and constantly advocates for them.”
Lancaster currently serves as the forensic nurse coordinator at Owensboro Health, where she has helped build a comprehensive program to support survivors of sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, and domestic violence. She also leads training courses for nurses pursuing SANE certification.
Her efforts helped Owensboro Health earn a SANE-ready hospital designation — one of only a few hospitals in Kentucky to receive that status. Ward said that designation ensures survivors receive the best possible care when they walk through the doors.
According to Owensboro Health, SANE-certified nurses play a vital role not only in providing trauma-informed care but also in the legal process. Their specialized training in forensic evidence collection ensures that documentation can stand up in court.
“It’s a difficult job,” Lancaster said. “But I know these people are in one of the most vulnerable times of their life, and they just need someone to listen and be there. I want to be that person.”
She credited the strong collaboration among agencies — including New Beginnings, law enforcement, and the court system — as key to making a difference.
“Without their support, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do every day,” she said.
Lancaster was recognized alongside honorees from other regions during a ceremony hosted by KASAP in Elizabethtown.
“If anyone is going to get our area set up to provide the best care possible for survivors, it’s Molly,” Ward said.
