Parkview Medical Center
has earned the Joint Commission's
Gold Seal of Approval.
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A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is an expert forensic clinician trained to provide comprehensive and sensitive sexual assault examinations. As a professional registered nurse who has received specialized forensic education, a SANE demonstrates clinical competence in the collection of forensic evidence for both adult and child victims, as well as suspect evidence collection and has the ability to provide expert witness testimony in a court of law.
SANE programs have brought the care of the sexual assault victim out of the “dark ages” and into a new era. In the past, SA victims were given low priority and often were “re-traumatized” when they presented to an ER for evaluation. This low prioritization most likely occurred because most victims had little or no injury. (Less than on third have injuries and less than .1% require hospitalization.) Prior to SANE programs, not only did victims have to wait long periods of time to be examined, but they often were examined by nurses and /or physicians who lacked the training and education that is specific to sexual assault and evidence collection and were interviewed by law enforcement and medical personnel who lacked sensitivity.
The goal of SANE Programs is to reduce the physical and psychological trauma of SA victims and improve evidence collection through a sensitive and timely forensic examination in order to have a beneficial impact on the judicial process thus promoting a positive outcome for the victim. SANE programs across the nation and here at Parkview have done just that, many counties report a 100% conviction rate in cases where a SANE has testified. SANE programs have brought the care of the SA victim to an era of prompt comprehensive treatment with meticulous collection and documentation of legally sound evidence as well as compassionate care and support. They have gained recognition as an expert witness in the judicial system thus having an added impact on the conviction rate of sex offenders. SANE programs follow state laws. Laws concerning sexual assault are determined at the state level, therefore, the processing of the sexual assault victim both adult and child should always be done in accordance with the Colorado Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Protocol which states all victims of sexual assaults that have occurred within 72 hours should be evaluated at an acute care facility immediately.
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