Compassionate care following sexual assault
Forensic nurse examiners, also known as sexual assault nurse examiners or SANE, are nurses who provide consistent, compassionate care following a sexual assault.
Our mission is to provide compassionate care and empower victims of crime to pursue justice and begin recovery; to strengthen the response to crime through clinical excellence and professional collaboration; and to promote the safety and well-being of our community through education.
All patients who seek care at the emergency department following sexual assault will receive a medical screening exam and stabilizing medical treatment per EMTALA guidelines. If forensic services are unavailable, staff will assist the patient in finding an appropriate facility to receive forensic medical care.
Forensic medical services
The following services are available:
- A local advocate
- Medical forensic exams
- Strangulation exams
- Forensic documentation of narrative and injuries
- Photograph injuries (Note: This service is not available at all MultiCare locations)
- Collection of:
- Clothing or other items
- Specimen swabs
- Blood and/or urine samples
- Trace debris
- Prophylactic medications for sexually transmitted infections and emergency contraception
- Safety planning and discharge instructions/resources
- Storage of specimens in compliance with chain of custody requirements
Forensic exam options
Survivors have the option to accept or decline any of the forensic services offered. Adult patients (those ages 18+) may have the option to receive forensic care anonymously (mandatory reporting laws apply). Forensic nurses will speak to patients in the emergency department about these options before an exam. It is important to note that providers will only determine if injuries are present; they are unable to confirm or disprove that an assault occurred or that there was any type of bodily contact. Learn more about survivor advocacy.