What are sexual assault nurse examiners?
Sexual assault nurse examiners receive specialized training to care for survivors of sexual assault. They are experienced at working with survivors of all ages and backgrounds.
If you choose, sexual assault nurse examiners are trained to provide a forensic exam, which preserves evidence after an assault. Sexual nurse examiners provide essential medical care and treatment to prevent sexually transmitted infections. They also connect survivors with essential resources.
What services do sexual assault nurse examiners provide?
Sexual assault nurse examiners provide many services to survivors. You can accept or decline any service or part of an exam.
SANEs can:
- Provide a medical exam and treat any injuries after an assault
- Collect and preserve forensic evidence
- Educate you about your legal options
- Provide STI prevention and emergency contraception services
- Connect you to resources and provide emotional support
What should I expect in the emergency room?
At Rush, SANE services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at our emergency departments in Chicago, Oak Park and Aurora. You’ll receive immediate medical attention and emotional support.
Rush University Medical Center can treat sexual assault survivors of all ages. Rush Copley Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital can treat survivors 13 and older. For children younger than 13, we ensure safe transportation to pediatric facilities.
Your visit is private and confidential. Your provider will explain confidentiality and any mandatory reporting requirements.
If you choose, a nurse can provide a medical forensic exam. If you choose to report the assault to the police, this evidence can be used in an investigation. You can decline any portion of the exam, and your providers will educate you about your options.
You can choose to have a medical exam, a forensic exam, both, or neither. You may also change your mind at any time during your visit.
You will also be offered an advocate, a trained volunteer who can support you during the exam. They can also connect you with resources and support with legal proceedings after your medical exam, if needed.
Choosing Rush for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Services
- Compassionate experts: Rush’s SANE team is specially trained to care for survivors of sexual assault. We are committed to providing respectful, patient-centered care in a safe and supportive environment.
- 24/7 services: Sexual assault nurse examiners are available 24/7 at Rush’s emergency departments. You will not have to wait to receive specialized care.
- Private, confidential space: You’ll receive care in a private, quiet space. The services you receive are private and confidential, and your nurse will inform you about any mandatory reporting requirements.
- Coordinated care and resources: Our services don't end when you leave the emergency department. Your nurse will coordinate safe follow-up care, and work with social workers and other Rush team members to ensure you receive ongoing support.
FAQs About Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Services
Sexual assault nurse examiners are nurses who have received special training to document and preserve forensic evidence after a sexual assault. They are trained to provide trauma-informed care to survivors of sexual assault.
A medical forensic exam is used to preserve evidence after a sexual assault. This exam consists of a physical exam to check for injuries and collect evidence, and photography to document injuries. If you agree, this evidence can be used as part of an investigation, and the results may be used in court. With your permission, the forensic exam documents can also be shared with law enforcement. You can decline any part of the exam.
No. Your nurse will explain your options and give you time to decide what feels right for you.
No. You do not have to file a police report to receive medical care or a forensic exam. A sexual assault nurse examiner can explain reporting options to you, but the decision is always yours.
You can visit the emergency department any time after a sexual assault. Forensic evidence collection is most effective within five days after an assault, but medical care, support and resources are available to you any time.
Yes. You can bring a friend, family member or other support person if you choose. Your nurse can also connect you with an advocate for additional support.
You do not need to have visible injuries to be seen by a SANE. Care is available for medical concerns, preventive treatment, emotional support and forensic services, regardless of whether you are injured. Your nurse examiner can also provide information about medical follow-up care and counseling.
Medical care may be billed to your insurance, but forensic exams related to sexual assault are often covered through other funding sources. A member of the care team can help answer questions about billing and financial concerns.
