Compassionate sexual assault services

Sexual assault victims have the right to immediate, compassionate, culturally sensitive care and comprehensive forensic examination by trained professionals.

We help to:

• Treat victims of sexual assault
• Speed the victim's recovery
• Provide a higher standard of evidence collection and care

Sexual assault nurse examiner program

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program is a service provided to patients who come to our emergency room and have been sexually assaulted. The program works with community agencies to ensure the safety of the survivor, provide medical care and offer the choice to have evidence collected. Specially trained nurses, called sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs), work with survivors in their time of need by providing compassionate care so that healing may begin.

What is a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE)?

A SANE is a registered nurse who is specially trained to provide comprehensive care to a sexual assault survivor. SANE nurses provide prompt, compassionate care while preserving the survivor’s dignity and reducing psychological trauma.

What training is needed for SANE certification?

The registered nurse completes a 40 hour Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner training course (a combination of classroom and online training) Topics include: medical forensic assessment, documentation, evidence collection, photography, health issues related to sexual assault, prevention of re-traumatization. Required clinical experiences are designed to reinforce knowledge and skills learned during the training course.

What are the program's goals?

• Protect the patient from further harm and reduce re-traumatization
• Ensure the patient receives compassionate care
• Conduct a medical-forensic exam to assess, document and treat injuries
• Provide timely and thorough evidence collection, preservation and documentation
• Ensure that the survivor receives quicker access to victim’s services
• Provide access to crisis intervention to begin the healing process