What’s a SANE?
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a Registered Nurse who has received special training so they can provide comprehensive care to people who have experienced sexual assault. They can conduct a forensic exam and may provide expert testimony if a case goes to trial.
A forensic exam gathers potential evidence for a future court case. This can involve an interview, photos, and collection of DNA evidence. Evidence is collected and sealed in a MSAECK (Massachusetts Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit) and sent to crime labs for evaluation.
It is the patient’s choice to report to police. If they opt not to, the kit will be kept for 6 months (16 years if patient is under 18).
Criteria for a SANE exam
- Assault within 5 days (120 hours) unless solely oral/anal penetration - then ideally within 24 hours.
- Patient is 12 years of age or older.
- Patient is medically cleared by ER Physician.
- Patient consents to the exam and evidence collection.
What to expect during a SANE exam?
What to expect at the ER:
- Patient is evaluated through triage.
- Medical screening by ER attending physician and primary nurse.
- Once medically cleared and patient consents to exam, SANE is activated through beeper system and responds within 60 minutes.
- Exam includes a thorough physical exam with swabs to obtain DNA and other legal evidence, documentation of victim’s story and forensic photography as indicated.
- Medications are recommended for prophylaxis against STIs and pregnancy.
- Instructions provided for Victim Compensation.
- Recommendations provided for follow up.
- Safety planning.
See NSCC's Emergency Resource Guide to find local organizations that provide SANE exams.