Specialists needed for sexual assault aftermath

Minutes tick by. Anxiety increases. Fear rises of who is going to take care of you and what is going to happen. Fear you will not be heard. Following a sexual assault, a survivor experiences a range of emotions, complex decisions and systems to navigate. Then in the midst of these overwhelming questions and concerns, envision this scene: A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) enters the room who immediately offers compassion, explains your rights to a free medical forensic exam and relieves your concerns by saying that you are in control and can stop the exam at any time.

SANEs are often among the first responders in acute cases of sexual assault and are crucial in providing the initial survivor-centered trauma response. A SANE has education and clinical preparation in the medical forensic care of the survivor. By law, survivors in Florida are entitled to no-cost exams, which include evidence collection, along with advocate accompaniment. To ensure a comprehensive response that includes wraparound services, SANEs work with advocates from Florida’s 31 certified sexual assault centers that provide ongoing confidential services.

In addition to a medical response, our work includes evidence collection.

Communities that use SANEs are better prepared to combat the health consequences of violence. Community-based care invites each of us to help foster supportive environments that promote the best possible response for survivors.

Next week is nationally recognized as Forensic Nurses Week. It is a time to raise awareness about trauma health care professionals. You can amplify these messages in your community by:

· Promoting your local sexual assault center.