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SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAMINER (SANE)

About

SANE stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. A SANE is a nurse with specialized training to aid survivors of sexual violence.

Does the Crisis Center have a SANE Nurse?

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

Why should I use the Crisis Center's SANE Nurse?

The Crisis Center’s SANE Nurse provides individualized care in a private facility away from the hustle and bustle of a busy emergency room. By utilizing the SANE program, the amount of time spent for examination and treatment can be reduced significantly. The SANE Nurse will perform an exam to collect evidence and check you out physically. This procedure is called a “sexual assault forensic exam”. The sooner you have an exam after the rape, the more accurate the evidence will be. Medications are also available to help prevent transmission of disease.  You will be given information about where to go for medical follow up and what to do.

Do I have to pay for the SANE Nurse?

No, the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Fund will pay for the examination. You may also be eligible for reimbursement of other expenses incurred as a result of the assault. Your Rape Response advocate will help you with this process.

Are there requirements to see the SANE Nurse?

Yes, the SANE program requires four criteria to be met for examination:

  • The assault must have occurred within the past 72 hours or law enforcement must request the examination
  • The victim must be at least 14 years old
  • The victim must be medically stable (nothing broken, bleeding, or pregnant)
  • A police report is no longer required

Do I have to make an appointment to see the SANE Nurse?

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

What will happen once I am there?

Survivors of sexual violence, along with any friends or family, are initially received at the Crisis Center’s office, which is a secure facility. A Rape Response Advocate will meet you when arriving at the Crisis Center. They will direct you to the confidential and private facility. The Rape Response Advocate is there to support you and answer any questions about the SANE process. From this initial meeting, until the total SANE examination is completed, the Rape Response Advocate will be at your side offering support.Upon the arrival of the SANE nurse, a brief interview will be conducted. The interview is designed to gather basic information about you and to determine the specifics of the sexual assault. During this process, you have the opportunity to ask any questions.

 

After the interview, you, the Rape Response Advocate and SANE Nurse will leave the waiting room and go to the examination room. All family and friends remain in the waiting room. The examination room is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that is not available in local emergency rooms. The examination room and equipment are designed specifically to maintain the maximum level of comfort for the survivor, provide the necessary medical treatment, and collect the required forensic evidence.After the examination is completed, you will have the option to shower. Often times, the survivor’s clothing is retained as forensic evidence. Clothing is provided to you, if this is the case. After the exam and/or shower, the Rape Response Advocate will ensure that you get to a safe place. Follow-up by Rape Response staff is done with you within 72 hours of your visit to the SANE facility, unless otherwise requested. Counseling, legal advocacy and support groups are discussed to aid in your healing process.
Funding for this project provided by DOJ, ADECA/LETS 15-VA-SA-029, SASP 15-SA-VS-001, ADPH, The United Way of Central Alabama and The Junior League of Birmingham.
SANE

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Phone Numbers

Crisis & Suicide Line: (205) 458-3371
Rape Response: (205) 458-8993

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COPYRIGHT 2024 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED CRISIS CENTER

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