SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER (SANE)

Yes, the Crisis Center has a SANE Nurse on call 24 hours a day/ 7days a week.

The Crisis Center’s SANE program provides individualized care in a secure, comfortable, private facility away from the busy emergency room. By utilizing our facility, the amount of time spent waiting for a medical-forensic examination can be reduced significantly, as you are our sole focus. Every survivor will be accompanied by a Rape Response advocate who is there to support you every step of the way. The SANE will perform a head-to-toe physical exam, collect DNA evidence, document injuries, administer preventative medications for STIs and pregnancy, test for STIs and pregnancy, make individualized referrals, and help connect you with other healthcare providers, as needed. It is best to have the exam as soon as possible after the assault. You do not have to file a police report to have an exam.  

No, all of our services are free. The Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission pays for the examination. You may also be eligible for reimbursement of other expenses incurred from the assault. Your advocate will help you with this process. 

Generally, the assault must have occurred within the past 72 hours. Exceptions can be made under certain circumstances on a case-by-case basis up to 120 hours.  Preventative medications can be given within 5 days of the assault.  You must be at least 14 years old. Clients younger than 14 are seen at Children’s of Alabama.   You must be medically stable (nothing broken, no uncontrolled bleeding or other serious injuries or medical concerns). Those who are medically unstable or pregnant must be seen in the hospital by our SANE. We will coordinate with your medical team and perform the exam in your hospital room. 

Please call the Rape Response hotline at 205-323-7273 if you are in need of SANE services.

The survivor, along with any friends/family, and law enforcement (if filing a police report), are initially received at our secure facility. The Rape Response Advocate will meet you on arrival and is there to support you. They will answer any questions you have about the exam process and will remain with you the entire time. Once you are ready, the interview will begin. The interview is designed to gather basic demographic and health information, obtain your consent, and listen to your story of what happened during the assault. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions and make individualized choices about the exam process. Once the interview is complete, the client, advocate, and SANE will move to the exam room. Our examination room is equipped with state-of-the-art evidence collection equipment that is not available in local emergency rooms. Our equipment provides the maximum level of comfort and privacy for survivors.  After the exam, preventative medications are administered along with individualized discharge and follow-up planning. You will have the option to shower and brush your teeth. New clothing will be offered to you regardless of whether you choose to submit your clothing as evidence or not. Once you are ready to leave, the advocate will ensure that you get to a safe place. The Rape Response staff will follow-up with you within 72 hours of your visit, unless otherwise requested. Individual counseling, legal advocacy, support groups, and medical follow-up appointments are discussed to aid in your healing process.