What is a SANE?

Sexual Assault is...... any forced, unwanted, and non-consensual sexual contact or activity.  

Who gets sexually assaulted?

*Most reported cases occur to women between the ages of 14-25 regardless of race, class, religion, occupation, or appearance.

*All people are potential victims

 

Now that we know what sexual assault is and who it commonly happens to, I can tell you what a SANE is and what they do. 

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses who have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in the medical forensic care of the patient who has experienced sexual assault or abuse (International Association of Forensic Nurses, 2006).

According to the International Association of Forensic Nurses (2006) a SANE cares for patients who have been victims of sexual assault and abuse. This patient population requires expertise in physical assessment and advanced clinical skills. The SANE normally works with a collaborative, multidisciplinary group of professionals to develop a plan of care for the patient at discharge.

 The care a SANE can offer the patient is the medical forensic examination. This consists of the medical forensic history, a detailed physical and emotional assessment, written and photographic documentation of injuries, collection and management of forensic samples, STI and HIV prophylaxis, and providing emotional and social support and resources. This process can takes hours.  It is not something that can be rushed.  PATIENCE, empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude is required to provide optimal care. The SANE must follow the proper chain of custody to ensure the samples are admissible in court.  They can also be called in to testify about a case they provided care in.

 

This quarter I had the opportunity of working with the leader of a SANE program in the metro area.  At first I  had NO clue exactly what the SANE role was and how they provided care.  Sure, we discussed it in some of our nursing classes, but not in great detail.  During this clinical I attended meetings, educational sessions, and observed a forensic exam.  I can now say I know what a SANE does and the value they bring to the patient, legal system, and health care team.

 

DID YOU KNOW THAT SPERM CAN BE FOUND IN THE CERVIX 17 DAYS AFTER SEX?

 

International Association of Forensic Nursing. (2006). Sexual assault nurse examiners. Retrieved from http://www.iafn.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=546