Sexual Assault

SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)

• A SANE exam provides expert medical care and resources to patients who have recently experienced sexual assault. This holistic medical exam addresses both emotional and physical trauma while offering medications that prevent sexually transmitted infections and more.
• Forensic Nurses provide trauma-informed care while documenting injuries and collecting and preserving evidence after sexual assault at the request of the patient. Patients have the ability to release their medical exam to Law Enforcement, if desired.
• Forensic Exams are usually provided free of charge.
• Some parts of the state have hospitals which provide private waiting areas, an exam room, and supplies that help ensure patient comfort.
• In order to assess for medical complications after strangulation, Forensic Nurses provide Strangulation Assessments that include documentation of injury, signs and symptoms, and medical referrals as needed.
• If you or someone you know is in need of a SANE exam, please call the 24 hour hotline at 1-800-522-SAFE (7233) for more information and to if your local hospital has a SANE nurse.  Any ER should be able to conduct a forensic SANE exam.

A Hospital advocates may be available 24/7 to provide emotional support, resources, and crisis services to sexual assault survivors at the hospital, in police stations, and throughout the legal system.