A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a nurse with specialized training to aid survivors of sexual assault.

The Victim Services SANE Nurse is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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‍WHY SHOULD I USE VICTIM SERVICES' SANE NURSE?

‍Victim Services' 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 other ongoing support services.

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‍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. A Victim Services Rape Response advocate can help you with this process.

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‍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 18 years old

- The victim must be medically stable (nothing broken, bleeding, or pregnant)

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DO I HAVE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE THE SANE NURSE?

Call our 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 256-734-6100 to schedule an immediate SANE exam. If possible, try not to eat, drink, shower, use the restroom, or change clothing prior to the examination.

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WHAT WILL HAPPEN ONCE I AM THERE?

Survivors of sexual violence, along with any friends or family, are initially received at the Victim Services' office, which is a secure facility. A Rape Response Advocate will meet you when you arrive and will be 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. Before the exam, the SANE Nurse will conduct a brief interview 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 lobby. 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 will be 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.

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‍Funding for this project provided by ADECA/LETS 22-VA-SA-239, Alabama Civil Justice Foundation, United Way of Cullman County, and People's Bank of the South.

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