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What to Do After a Sexual Assault
ANE Exam Process
Who Can Perform an Exam
Healthcare providers will assess any injuries and ask questions that can help with your care. The SANE staff will also prepare arape kitin which they can collect evidence of the assault. You do not have to think about pressing charges at this point, but the evidence will be saved in case it’s needed for a future prosecution.
This article explains what a SANE exam entails and who performs the exam.
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Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that can affect anyone. Among females in the United States, about 26% of people have experienced a completed or attempted penetrative attack without their consent.
You are not alone in the experience, and a sexual assault examiner stands ready to offer compassionate, professional care.
There are steps you can take to help preserve evidence. You’ll need to avoid disturbing evidence and seek care right away. You can’t wait more than 72 hours in order to protect DNA evidence.An exam can still be used to collect other evidence outside this time window, though, and some studies have included people who had exams up to seven days later.
Keep in mind that DNA evidence has become a key component of successful sexual assault prosecutions.This can remain true for years. An estimated 300,000 to 400,000 kits in the United States were never tested due to law enforcement and lab backlogs, but they can still serve as evidence in reopened cases. Advances in the forensic science continue to make it possible.
What to Do If You Are Sexually Assaulted
Other Reasons for a SANE Exam
If you choose to undergo a SANE exam, you do not need to report the assault to the police.However, if you choose to report to the police, having undergone a SANE exam can potentially provide helpful evidence.
Treatment for injuries, and prevention ofsexually transmitted infectionsor pregnancy, are just as important and can be provided in the emergency room. You may be offeredpost-exposureprophylaxis(preventive care) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). If relevant, you may also be offeredemergency contraception.
A 2024 Australian study underscored the importance of treatment with these post-assault STI results:
It’s also possible that you may hesitate to seek help due to a range of factors, including the fear of stigma over your gender or sexual orientation. An exam is still important and available. Male victims, for example, may benefit from contacting 1in6.org for advice on what to do next, while others may find LGBTQ+ resources in their communities.
Do Not “Clean Up” Before Receiving Medical CareIf you have been sexually assaulted, try to avoid doing any of the following before seeking help:Taking a bath or showerUsing the toiletChanging clothesCombing your hairCleaning up the area where you were assaultedIf you have to change your clothes before seeking care, put them and any other items you had on you in apaper bagin order to protect any evidence on them. You should bring a change of clothes to the hospital for after the exam if that might make you feel better.
Do Not “Clean Up” Before Receiving Medical Care
If you have been sexually assaulted, try to avoid doing any of the following before seeking help:Taking a bath or showerUsing the toiletChanging clothesCombing your hairCleaning up the area where you were assaultedIf you have to change your clothes before seeking care, put them and any other items you had on you in apaper bagin order to protect any evidence on them. You should bring a change of clothes to the hospital for after the exam if that might make you feel better.
If you have been sexually assaulted, try to avoid doing any of the following before seeking help:
If you have to change your clothes before seeking care, put them and any other items you had on you in apaper bagin order to protect any evidence on them. You should bring a change of clothes to the hospital for after the exam if that might make you feel better.
What Happens During a SANE Exam?
A SANE exam normally has a number of steps. You can always ask the nurse to stop the exam, pause for a break, or even skip a step. It is important to remember that the exam is your choice, and that therefore you can choose to stop or skip any part that you don’t want or feel you can’t handle.
Policies may vary from one region to another, but you may be able to have anyone you choose in the room with you. You also may be eligible for support from a specially trained volunteer.Keep in mind that the presence of another person may change the legal dynamics on whether information is protected and privileged. Be sure to ask about specific rules in your community.
If you have an exam, it will likely take at least a few hours. The exam itself takes a significant amount of time. In addition, they may need to call an examiner and/or an advocate who is not on site.
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Physical Exam
The first thing that will happen is that any cuts, bleeding, broken bones, or other injuries that need to be treated quickly will be treated. This requires a medical evaluation and physical examination from other healthcare providers.
The SANE exam will focus on the assault, and may include internal examination of your mouth, vagina, or anus. Swabs, like those used forCOVID-19 testsorPAP testscreenings, may be used to collect DNA at these sites. The nurse may also comb your hair and pubic hair to collect samples and take blood or urine samples.
If you allow it, the examiner may also take pieces of your clothing, including your underwear. With your permission, the examiner may also take photos of your body to document your injuries and the process of the examination.
Finally, after the evidence is collected, you’ll receive any non-urgent medical care. This may include treatments to reduce your STI or pregnancy risk, if relevant. A follow-up visit may be scheduled or you may be referred for help to an agency in your community.
Interview and Questions
The SANE exam will include a number of questions about your general health, including:
The questions about recent sexual activity are not to stigmatize you. They help to determine if evidence might be found on your body unrelated to the assault. Questions about what happened during the assault are to make certain that the nurse or other examiner can find any areas where you might be injured or where there might be evidence.
Children and Sexual Assault Exams
Who Can Perform a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam?
SANE certification was originally developed for RNs, but other health professionals can be trained to become a sexual assault forensic examiner (SAFE).Some places refer to them as sexual assault examiners (SAE).
You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline to find where you can get a SANE exam before choosing an ER. For individuals who live in areas without SANEs or SAFEs, local physicians may be able to provide these services using telehealth.
If You Need Help After a Sexual AssaultWhen someone is sexually assaulted, they are not always automatically offered a sexual assault forensic exam. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or your local sexual assault service provider. They can help you find sexual assault forensic exams and support resources.
If You Need Help After a Sexual Assault
When someone is sexually assaulted, they are not always automatically offered a sexual assault forensic exam. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or your local sexual assault service provider. They can help you find sexual assault forensic exams and support resources.
After a SANE exam, it’s recommended that you receive follow-up care. This may include:
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Summary
A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse who is specially trained to complete an examination designed to preserve evidence of a sexual assault. It does not require that you report a crime to law enforcement at the time of examination, but keep in mind that the person completing an exam may have a duty to report in some cases.
Other healthcare providers also may receive SAFE or SAE training to complete the exams. A SANE exam can help to ensure that you receive needed medical care after a sexual assault, including treatment for STI prevention or, if it applies, pregnancy prevention. You also may be referred for support services and scheduled for follow-up care.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Maine Department of Health and Human Services.Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program.Walsh K, Gilmore AK, Jaffe AE, Frazier P, Ledray L, Acierno R,et al.A preliminary examination of sexual and physical victimization 6 months after recent rape.Arch Womens Ment Health. 2023 Aug;26(4):495-501. doi: 10.1007/s00737-023-01335-y.RAINN.What is a sexual assault forensic exam?RAINN.The Importance of DNA in Sexual Assault Cases.Campbell R, Gregory K, Goodman-Williams R, Engleton J, Javorka M.Victim Notification Protocols for Untested Sexual Assault Kits: Survivors' and Advocates' Perspectives on Law Enforcement-Led Outreach Methods.Violence Against Women. 2023 Dec;29(15-16):3101-3125. doi:10.1177/10778012231200479.RAINN.Reporting to law enforcement.Parekh VR, Martin SJ, Tyson A, Brkic A, McMinn J, Beaumont C,et al.Sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in individuals presenting for forensic and medical care following sexual assault.Sex Transm Infect. 2024 Jan 17;100(1):45-47. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-055944.Stanford University.Forensic Evidence Collection (i.e. SAFE, SART Exam, “Rape Kits”).International Association of Forensic Nurses.Frequently Asked Questions (Certifications).Walsh WA, Meunier-sham J, Re C.Using telehealth for sexual assault forensic examinations: A process evaluation of a national pilot project.J Forensic Nurs.2019;15(3):152-162. doi:10.1097/JFN.0000000000000254Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center.What You Need to Know About A Sexual Assault Nurse Exam.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Maine Department of Health and Human Services.Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program.Walsh K, Gilmore AK, Jaffe AE, Frazier P, Ledray L, Acierno R,et al.A preliminary examination of sexual and physical victimization 6 months after recent rape.Arch Womens Ment Health. 2023 Aug;26(4):495-501. doi: 10.1007/s00737-023-01335-y.RAINN.What is a sexual assault forensic exam?RAINN.The Importance of DNA in Sexual Assault Cases.Campbell R, Gregory K, Goodman-Williams R, Engleton J, Javorka M.Victim Notification Protocols for Untested Sexual Assault Kits: Survivors' and Advocates' Perspectives on Law Enforcement-Led Outreach Methods.Violence Against Women. 2023 Dec;29(15-16):3101-3125. doi:10.1177/10778012231200479.RAINN.Reporting to law enforcement.Parekh VR, Martin SJ, Tyson A, Brkic A, McMinn J, Beaumont C,et al.Sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in individuals presenting for forensic and medical care following sexual assault.Sex Transm Infect. 2024 Jan 17;100(1):45-47. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-055944.Stanford University.Forensic Evidence Collection (i.e. SAFE, SART Exam, “Rape Kits”).International Association of Forensic Nurses.Frequently Asked Questions (Certifications).Walsh WA, Meunier-sham J, Re C.Using telehealth for sexual assault forensic examinations: A process evaluation of a national pilot project.J Forensic Nurs.2019;15(3):152-162. doi:10.1097/JFN.0000000000000254Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center.What You Need to Know About A Sexual Assault Nurse Exam.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services.Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program.Walsh K, Gilmore AK, Jaffe AE, Frazier P, Ledray L, Acierno R,et al.A preliminary examination of sexual and physical victimization 6 months after recent rape.Arch Womens Ment Health. 2023 Aug;26(4):495-501. doi: 10.1007/s00737-023-01335-y.RAINN.What is a sexual assault forensic exam?RAINN.The Importance of DNA in Sexual Assault Cases.Campbell R, Gregory K, Goodman-Williams R, Engleton J, Javorka M.Victim Notification Protocols for Untested Sexual Assault Kits: Survivors' and Advocates' Perspectives on Law Enforcement-Led Outreach Methods.Violence Against Women. 2023 Dec;29(15-16):3101-3125. doi:10.1177/10778012231200479.RAINN.Reporting to law enforcement.Parekh VR, Martin SJ, Tyson A, Brkic A, McMinn J, Beaumont C,et al.Sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in individuals presenting for forensic and medical care following sexual assault.Sex Transm Infect. 2024 Jan 17;100(1):45-47. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-055944.Stanford University.Forensic Evidence Collection (i.e. SAFE, SART Exam, “Rape Kits”).International Association of Forensic Nurses.Frequently Asked Questions (Certifications).Walsh WA, Meunier-sham J, Re C.Using telehealth for sexual assault forensic examinations: A process evaluation of a national pilot project.J Forensic Nurs.2019;15(3):152-162. doi:10.1097/JFN.0000000000000254Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center.What You Need to Know About A Sexual Assault Nurse Exam.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services.Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program.
Walsh K, Gilmore AK, Jaffe AE, Frazier P, Ledray L, Acierno R,et al.A preliminary examination of sexual and physical victimization 6 months after recent rape.Arch Womens Ment Health. 2023 Aug;26(4):495-501. doi: 10.1007/s00737-023-01335-y.
RAINN.What is a sexual assault forensic exam?
RAINN.The Importance of DNA in Sexual Assault Cases.
Campbell R, Gregory K, Goodman-Williams R, Engleton J, Javorka M.Victim Notification Protocols for Untested Sexual Assault Kits: Survivors' and Advocates' Perspectives on Law Enforcement-Led Outreach Methods.Violence Against Women. 2023 Dec;29(15-16):3101-3125. doi:10.1177/10778012231200479.
RAINN.Reporting to law enforcement.
Parekh VR, Martin SJ, Tyson A, Brkic A, McMinn J, Beaumont C,et al.Sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in individuals presenting for forensic and medical care following sexual assault.Sex Transm Infect. 2024 Jan 17;100(1):45-47. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2023-055944.
Stanford University.Forensic Evidence Collection (i.e. SAFE, SART Exam, “Rape Kits”).
International Association of Forensic Nurses.Frequently Asked Questions (Certifications).
Walsh WA, Meunier-sham J, Re C.Using telehealth for sexual assault forensic examinations: A process evaluation of a national pilot project.J Forensic Nurs.2019;15(3):152-162. doi:10.1097/JFN.0000000000000254
Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center.What You Need to Know About A Sexual Assault Nurse Exam.
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