Sarasota Herald-Tribune Forensic Nurses Week Opinion Piece

By: Kris-Tena Albers, APRN, MN, SANE-A
Director, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Training and Sustainability Program
Florida Council Against Sexual Violence

Imagine this scenario: Minutes ticking by. Anxiety level increasing. Fear of who is going to take care of you and what is going to happen. Fear that you will not be heard.

Following a sexual assault, a survivor experiences a range of emotions in addition to a complex set of decisions to make. Then in the midst of these overwhelming questions and concerns, envision this scene unfolding: 

A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) enters the room and immediately offers compassion, explains your rights to a medical forensic exam free of charge – regardless of whether you make a report to law enforcement –and relieves your concerns by telling you 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 they are crucial in providing the initial survivor-centered and trauma-informed response. In addition they have specialized levels of education and clinical preparation to help provide medical forensic care for a survivor who has experienced sexual assault.

Continue reading on the Sarasota Herald-Tribune website.