The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Sexual Assault Response Team is a community-based coordinated response to child and adult victims of sexual assault. The purpose of this program is to provide immediate and follow-up medical, advocacy, and criminal justice services to all victims of sexual assault. The SANE/SART Program places emphasis on:
- History of reported incident and pertinent health issues
- Investigation conducted by law enforcement
- Forensic evidence collection, identification and preservation
- Genital anatomy recognition
- Prophylaxis for sexually transmitted diseases
- Community referrals
- Follow-up counseling by a local sexual assault center
- Court testimony
- Development of protocol
- Public education aimed at recognition and reduction of sexual violence
- Community collaboration
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is a Registered Nurse who has specific education to complete the following:
- Victim history
- Head to toe assessment
- Detailed genital exam
- Forensic evidence collection
- Courtroom testimony
The Sexual Assault Response Team is composed of SANE's, victim advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, judicial members and other professionals with a vested interest in assisting victims of sexual assault.
Law enforcement officers initiate and direct the forensic collection of evidence when a sex crime is reported. SANE's provide care to the victim and collect the forensic evidence. Officers take the initial report from the victim and conduct a formal investigation. Their report is sent to the District/County Attorney's Office to be reviewed to determine what charges, if any, will be filed against the alleged suspect.
Advocates provide support to the victim and their families throughout the medical exam, the investigation process and court proceedings. Advocates also offer follow-up support, crisis counseling, support groups, information on sexual assault and trauma and referrals for other services/resources.
How Does SANE/SART Help a Victim?
Victims are provided with compassionate, non-judgmental services by individuals who have the knowledge, experience and advanced education key to assisting victims. Collaborative efforts by each team member assist in reducing the risk of additional trauma to the victim. Exams are performed by a nurse examiner who is educated and experienced in the procedure, ideally in a private room away from the Emergency Department. Evidence is collected more efficiently and consistently to aid in future prosecution. A support structure for the victim is provided and follow-up is readily available.
Who Will the SANE/SART Program Help?
This program assists medical personnel, victim advocates, law enforcement officers and judicial members to do their job more efficiently. Each individual and /or agency working with the victim will be able to define their role with the victim more definitely and concentrate on that role. Victims will receive a continuum of care that enhances safety and promotes their well being. In addition, the family and friends involved with the victim will receive support services. Communities also benefit by higher prosecution rates.
Why Does My Community Need SANE/SART?
The goal of the SANE/SART Program is to provide victims of sexual assault with services that are supportive in order to aid in investigation and prosecution of sexual offenders. Victims will be more likely to report assaults, communities will have developed a coordinated effort to prosecute offenders and services will be accessible and available.
A community commitment to the SANE/SART Program conveys the following messages:
- This community will not tolerate sexual violence.
- Victims of sexual assault should feel safe in reporting the crime and confident that they will be believed and supported.
- Victims of sexual assault will be treated with compassion and understanding.
- Investigations will be conducted and offenders will be prosecuted.
For more information on SANE/SART education, please contact:
Mary Alice Weed, RN, BSN
SANE/SART Coordinator
Salina Regional Health Center
Santa Fe Campus
400 S. Santa Fe
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 452-7095
FAX (785) 452-6873
mweed@srhc.com
Funding for this project provided by Salina Regional Health Center, Salina Regional Foundation Community Health Investment Program, Child Abuse Prevention Services, Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas, Earl Bane Foundation, Social and Rehabilitation Services, City of Salina, Saline County, Salina Area United Way, Oneok Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Salina, and individual donors.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Salina Regional Health Center provides patient admissions, room assignments and patient services without regard to race, color, national origin, disability or age.