What is a S.A.N.E.?
A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (S.A.N.E.) is a registered nurse who has been specifically trained by the Office of the Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Crisis Services (SAPCS) Program to:
Provide comprehensive care to sexual assault survivors
Demonstrate competency in conducting a forensic exam
Have the expertise to provide effective courtroom testimony
Show compassion and sensitivity to survivors of sexual assault
HB 2462 requires Sexual Assault Exams are requested if a child discloses or is believed to have been sexually assaulted
What exactly is a sexual assault medical/forensic exam?
Medical Exam: an examination performed by medical personnel for the purpose of collecting evidence following a sexual assault. The presence or absence of physical evidence or trauma does NOT prove whether a person has been sexually assaulted. Rather, it may provide supportive evidence to be used during legal proceedings. It is not medical treatment.
Acute Medical Exam: completed only when the abuse is believed to have occurred within 120 hours
Includes evidence collection kit
Performed at an emergency room
During the head-to-toe and genital exams, the nurse will be collecting forensic evidence such as, swabs, DNA, hair samples, photographs, fingernail scrapings, clothing, etc….
Non-Acute Medical Exam: completed when the abuse is believed to have occurred longer than 120 prior.
Does not include physical evidence collection, but does include physical exam
Head-to-toe and genital exam does not include collecting forensic evidence
Performed at the Hunt County CAC and will be scheduled by the HCCAC
What happens during a sexual assault exam?
A history is taken by the SANE to identify any injuries, determine the location of possible evidence and provide compassionate care to the patient. The next step is a head-to-toe examination to identify any body surface injuries. The third part of the exam is a detailed genital examination conducted to identify trauma and address concerns of patient.
How does a SANE program benefit a sexual assault victim and their case?
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, SANE programs have made a profound difference in the quality of care provided to sexual assault survivors. In addition to helping preserve the survivor’s dignity and reduce psychological trauma through prompt compassionate care, SANE programs are enhancing forensic evidence collection for more effective investigations and prosecutions.
*If a SANE is not available at Hunt Regional Medical Center, Quality ER, Quinlan or Commerce Emergency Departments, transfer options are for Mount Pleasant, Dallas Presby, or Plano Presby-the local Hospital should coordinate with neighboring SANE Programs and Law Enforcement on transferring patient to an available SANE Facility.*
Resources for Obtaining Medical Expertise (Including Case Reviews or Medical Examinations) in Cases of Suspected Abuse or Neglect
DFPS workers and investigators are encouraged to contact the child abuse center assigned to support their region via the Forensic Assessment Center Network.
DFPS or Law Enforcement Agencies may access the Child Abuse Center of Excellence at the Children’s Hospital or academic medical center closest to them via this link to MedCARES
Grant recipients: