The horrendous crime of sexual assault leaves physical and emotional wounds. Initially those physical wounds and evidence of them need to be documented. Forensic Nurses who work as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners or SANE play a key role on the front line in protecting women, children and victims of all gender, race and age in sexual and physical abuse cases. They play an important role in examining, collecting and preserving critical evidence of a crime. AIHCP offers a four year certification in Forensic Nursing to help SANE nurses earn more educational background.
In addition to treating and supporting victims and collecting evidence during sexual assault or abuse, SANE and Forensic Nurses also supply expert testimony in many cases that go to court. Their on site knowledge of the situation with the victim can be used in testimony and presented to a jury to help convict and put dangerous sexual predators behind bars. In this way, SANE and Forensic Nurses also work in close connection with the police and prosecutor’s office in sexual abuse and rape cases.
The article, “Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner: How to Get Help When You Need It Most” by Courtney Battaglia looks closer at the critical role of SANE nurses and how one can find the important help they provide after sexual assault or any type of abuse. The article looks at what SANE nurses do, the SANE exam and how they SANE nurses can play an important role in advocacy in protecting the victim and finding justice for the victim. The article states,
“There can be long-term effects of rape and sexual violence. Seeking help when a violent crime has happened to you can be scary, and having the right person performing the exam can be crucial for your well-being. A SANE can provide the sexual assault victim with compassionate care and expert testimony. The SANE exam has increased the number of convictions, potentially helping the community by removing another perpetrator from the street.”
“Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner: How to Get Help When You Need It Most”. Courtney Battaglia. February 24th, 2023. HealthNews.
To read the entire article, please click here
Commentary for Forensic and SANE nurses
In the wake of the #MeToo movement, there has been an increased focus on the safety of those affected by sexual assault. One of the key elements of the movement is to ensure that victims are able to access the necessary services and resources to help them through their healing journey. One such service is the role of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), which is a specialized medical professional that provides medical care and forensic evidence collection during a sexual assault examination. In this article, we will explore the role of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in examining victims, their qualifications, the process of a sexual assault nurse examination, aftercare for victims of sexual assault, the benefits of having a SANE, the legal rights of victims of sexual assault, and resources for victims of sexual assault.
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a specially trained nurse with advanced skills in providing medical care and forensic evidence collection to survivors of sexual assault. The SANE program is a specialized service that provides comprehensive care to victims of sexual assault, including physical, emotional, and legal support. The SANE program is a multi-disciplinary approach that includes nurses, social workers, law enforcement, and prosecutors. Many SANE nurses are also Forensic Nurse Certified.
The SANE program is designed to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for victims of sexual assault to receive medical care and forensic evidence collection. The SANE program is also designed to ensure that victims have access to the necessary services and resources to help them through their healing journey.
Qualifications of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
In order to become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), one must be a registered nurse (RN) with at least two years of experience in a related field. The SANE program also requires that nurses have completed specialized training in forensic evidence collection and sexual assault examination. The SANE program also requires that the nurse complete continuing education to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
The SANE program also requires that the nurse have excellent communication skills, as they must be able to interact with victims in a non-judgmental and sensitive manner. Additionally, the SANE program requires that the nurse have an understanding of the legal system and the criminal justice system. Many SANE nurses are also Forensic Nurse Certified as well.
The role of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is to provide comprehensive medical care and forensic evidence collection to victims of sexual assault. The SANE is responsible for providing physical, emotional, and legal support to victims of sexual assault.
The SANE is responsible for providing medical care, which includes conducting a physical examination, collecting evidence, and providing treatment for any physical injuries. The SANE is also responsible for providing emotional support, which includes providing a safe and non-judgmental environment for victims to express their feelings, providing information about the legal process, and providing referrals to other resources.
The SANE is also responsible for collecting forensic evidence, which includes collecting biological evidence, photographing injuries and other evidence, and documenting the findings. The SANE is also responsible for providing expert testimony in court proceedings, if necessary.
Easy to see then that it takes a special type of nurse to become SANE and enter into Forensic Nursing. The individual must not only be highly intelligent in nursing and healthcare but also a detective in many ways that is not scared away from gruesome sexual assault stories. These stories can bring many in the criminal justice system to a dark place and it takes an individual able to rise about that and give victims the help they need.
Preparing for a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination
Before a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination (SANE) can be conducted, there are certain steps that need to be taken to ensure that the examination is conducted in a safe and comfortable manner.
First, the SANE will assess the physical and emotional condition of the victim, to ensure that the victim is in a safe and comfortable environment. If necessary, the SANE will provide emotional support to the victim to help them feel more comfortable.
Second, the SANE will explain the process of the examination to the victim, to ensure that they understand the process and are comfortable with it. The SANE will also explain the legal rights of the victim and the resources available to them.
Third, the SANE will provide the victim with all the necessary materials for the examination, such as gowns, swabs, and slides. The SANE will also provide the victim with any necessary medications or treatments, if needed.
Finally, the SANE will take photos of the victim and any evidence that may be present. The SANE will also take swabs, slides, and other samples as necessary.
The Process of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examination
Once the SANE has prepared the victim for the examination, the actual examination can begin. During the examination, the SANE will collect physical evidence and document any findings.
First, the SANE will conduct a physical examination, which includes checking for any physical signs of injury, such as bruises, scratches, or tears. The SANE will also collect any biological evidence, such as swabs, slides, and other samples.
Second, the SANE will take photos of any evidence or injuries that are present.
Third, the SANE will document any findings in a detailed report. The report will include any physical evidence, photos, and other relevant information.
Finally, the SANE will provide the victim with any necessary medical treatment or medications, if needed.
Aftercare for Victims of Sexual Assault
After the examination is complete, the SANE will provide the victim with aftercare to ensure that they are safe and supported. The SANE will provide information about the legal process and rights of the victim, as well as referrals to other resources and services.
The SANE will also provide emotional support to the victim to help them cope with the trauma of the assault. The SANE will provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for the victim to express their emotions and feelings. The SANE will also provide referrals to counseling services and other resources to help the victim cope with the trauma.
The Benefits of Having a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
Having a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) available to victims of sexual assault provides numerous benefits. The SANE program is designed to provide comprehensive care to victims of sexual assault, including medical care and forensic evidence collection.
The SANE program also provides a safe and non-judgmental environment for victims to receive medical care and forensic evidence collection. The SANE program also provides victims with access to the necessary services and resources to help them through their healing journey.
The SANE program also ensures that victims have access to expert testimony in court proceedings, if necessary. The SANE program also ensures that victims have access to legal rights and resources to help them through the legal process.
Legal Rights of Victims of Sexual Assault
It is important for victims of sexual assault to be aware of their legal rights. Victims of sexual assault have the right to seek medical care, receive evidence collection and forensic examination, and access legal services.
Victims of sexual assault also have the right to receive information about the legal process and their rights and to access resources to help them through their healing journey. Victims also have the right to confidentiality and privacy in all matters related to their assault.
Resources for Victims of Sexual Assault
There are numerous resources available for victims of sexual assault. These resources include crisis hotlines, counseling services, support groups, and legal services.
Victims of sexual assault can also access websites and online forums to connect with other survivors and to find resources and services to help them through their healing journey. Additionally, victims of sexual assault can access educational materials to learn more about the legal process and their rights.
Conclusion
The role of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is an important one in ensuring that victims of sexual assault receive the necessary medical care and forensic evidence collection. The SANE program is a specialized service that provides comprehensive care to victims of sexual assault, including physical, emotional, and legal support. The SANE program is also designed to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for victims to receive medical care and forensic evidence collection.
The SANE program also ensures that victims have access to the necessary services and resources to help them through their healing journey. The SANE program also ensures that victims have access to expert testimony in court proceedings, if necessary. The SANE program also ensures that victims have access to legal rights and resources to help them through the legal process.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, there are resources available to help you through the healing journey. If you need help or support, please reach out to a local SANE program or to a crisis hotline
Nurses who are SANE can also earn a Forensic Nursing Certification to boost their knowledge in the area of forensics. AIHCP offers a four year certification in Forensic Nursing for those who are already SANE or are looking to potentially enter into the SANE field. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Forensic Nursing.
Additional Resources
“How to Become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)”. Kathleen Gaines. Nurse.org. Access here
“What Is a SANE Exam?”. Elizabeth Boskey. August 10th, 2022. VeryWellHealth. Access here
“Sexual Assault Nursing Care Plan”. Paul Martin. March 1st, 2023. Nurselabs. Access here
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