Evidence Rating for Outcomes
Victimization | Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections |
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Victimization | Administration of Emergency Contraception |
Victimization | Rape Kits Collected |
Date:
This practice uses qualified nurses who are trained to collect forensic evidence in cases of rape and sexual assault (of both adults and children). The practice is rated Effective for providing treatment for sexually transmitted infections and emergency contraception to sexual assault/rape victims but is rated Ineffective for the proportion of complainants who had a rape kit collected.
Practice Goals
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are qualified nurses who are trained to gather forensic evidence in cases of rape and sexual assault (of both adults and children). SANEs may also be referred to as Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs) in countries such as the United Kingdom.
In SANE interventions, nurses conduct forensic evidence examinations (i.e., rape kits) of victims of rape or sexual assault, in lieu of forensic doctors. The goal is to provide safe and privacy-conscious treatment that coordinates health care with counseling services, forensic collection, law enforcement, and prosecution.
Services Provided
SANEs are responsible for conducting the forensic examinations; collecting and documenting the findings; and working with police and prosecutors to offer ongoing case consultation, including testifying as expert witnesses if the case goes to trial.
SANEs provide comprehensive psychological, medical, and forensic services to the victims. SANE interventions provide a number of different services, including crisis intervention and emotional support; injury detection and treatment; and health care (e.g., screening for sexually transmitted infections [STIs], prophylaxis or antibiotics for STIs, pregnancy testing, and emergency contraception). SANEs are also meant to spend more time with patients, show greater empathy, and help patients to foster a sense of control and empowerment.
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Victimization | Treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections
From the two studies, Toon and Gurusamy (2014) found a small, yet statistically significant difference between victims treated by SANEs, compared with those treated by non-SANE health professionals in regard to the treatment of STIs (i.e., provision of STI prophylaxis/antibiotics). Sexual assault/rape victims cared for by SANEs were significantly more likely to be offered treatment for an STI, compared with those cared for by non-SANE health professionals. |
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Victimization | Administration of Emergency Contraception
From the two studies, Toon and Gurusamy (2014) also found a small, yet statistically significant difference between victims treated by a SANE, compared with those treated by a non-SANE health professional with regard to administration of emergency contraception (i.e., pregnancy prophylaxis). Sexual assault/rape victims cared for by SANEs were significantly more likely to be offered emergency contraception, compared with those cared for by non-SANE health professionals. |
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Victimization | Rape Kits Collected
Looking at outcomes from two studies, Toon and Gurusamy (2014) found there were no significant between-group differences with regard to the proportion of rape kits collected from victims (i.e., complainants) seen by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and those seen by non-SANE health professionals. |
These sources were used in the development of the practice profile:
Toon, Clare, and Kurinchi Gurusamy. 2014. “Forensic Nurse Examiners versus Doctors for the Forensic Examination of Rape and Sexual Assault Complainants: A Systematic Review.” Campbell Systematic Reviews 5. View abstract
These sources were used in the development of the practice profile:
Bechtel, Kirsten, Elizabeth Ryan, and Deborah Gallagher. 2008. “Impact of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners on the Evaluation of Sexual Assault in Pediatric Emergency Department.” Pediatric Emergency Care 24:442–47.
Campbell, Rebecca, Debra Patterson, and Deborah Bybee. 2012. “Prosecution of Adult Sexual Assault Cases: A Longitudinal Analysis Impact of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program.” Violence Against Women 18(2):223–44.
Crandall, Cameron S., and Deborah Helitzer. 2003. Impact Evaluation of a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice.
Derhammer, Frances, Vincent Lucente, James F. Reed, and Mark J. Young. 2000. “Using a SANE Interdisciplinary Approach to Care of Sexual Assault Victims.” The Joint Commission Journal on Quality Improvement 26(8):488–96.
Regan, Linda, Jo Lovett, and Liz Kelly. 2004. Forensic Nursing: An Option for Improving Responses to Reported Rape and Sexual Assault. London, England: Great Britain Home Office, Communication Development Unit, Research Development and Statistics Directorate.
Ledray, Linda E., and Kathy Simmelink. 1997. “Efficacy of SANE Evidence Collection: A Minnesota Study.” Journal of Emergency Nursing 23(1):75–77.
Sievers, Valerie, Sherri Murphy, and Joseph J. Miller. 2003. “Sexual Assault Evidence Collection More Accurate When Completed by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners: Colorado’s Experience.” Journal of Emergency Nursing 29(6):511–14
Following are CrimeSolutions-rated programs that are related to this practice:
Age: 14+
Gender: Male, Female
Targeted Population: Victims of Crime
Setting (Delivery): Inpatient/Outpatient
Practice Type: Crisis Intervention/Response, Victim Programs
Unit of Analysis: Persons