Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
What is a SANE Medical Forensic Exam?
Forensic Nursing Department
A SANE Medical Forensic Exam is a comprehensive health exam for survivors of sexual assault. It is also referred to as a Medical Forensic Exam. Exams are completed by medical providers, typically Registered Nurses or Nurse Practitioners, who have completed additional education and training to care for both the acute and long-term consequences of sexual violence, abuse, and neglect. consequences of sexual violence, abuse and neglect. A SANE Medical Forensic Exam may include evidence collection, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy prevention, and referrals for follow-up services such as victim advocacy, counseling, and traumatic brain injury evaluation. For minors under the age of 18, before the patient’s SANE Medical Forensic Exam, a Police Officer or Detective will work with them to set up a Forensic Interview. A forensic interview is a supportive, non-leading interview conducted by a trained professional; it is designed to elicit a child’s unique information when there are concerns of abuse or if a child has witnessed violence against another person. A SANE Forensic Nurse can then complete a head-to-toe medical “check-up” to ensure their body is healthy and to ensure health, safety and psychosocial needs are met.
This allows the SANE to provide quality trauma informed care for each patient. For more information, please contact us at: SANE at 520-562-5151 or email sane@grhc.org
