Approach:
The Good Shepherd Medical Center Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program offers comprehensive, trauma-informed nursing care to individuals who have experienced sexual violence. Sexual assault nurse examiners are registered nurses with advanced training in forensic evidence collection and care of the sexual assault patient.
Our primary focus is to ensure that you are safe, and your medical needs are heard. Our care is driven by your choices, and you are in control of every step during the exam. We foster the Start By Believing Campaign to create an environment of safety for survivors to receive the care they need.
Good Shepherd has 7 trained SANE nurses on staff in the Emergency Department. We currently have a call tree system, with a response time of 1 hour. If we are unable to provide a SANE nurse, we have options for survivors; transfer to another facility, wait for a SANE to be available, or return home with specific instructions on evidence preservation.
Our Services:
Good Shepherd’s SANE nurses provide services to those ages 15 and older. We now have a dedicated pediatric SANE nurse to serve those 14 and younger. Services include:
- Adult/Adolescent (age 15 and older) Medical-forensic Examinations (Sexual Assault Exams)
- Pediatric (age 14 and younger) Medical-forensic Examinations (Sexual Assault Exams)
- Local resources
These medical exams identify injuries, collect evidence, and assess your overall health after a sexual assault. Follow up care and support will be provided prior to discharge.
SANE exams are free; expenses may be covered by the Oregon State Sexual Assault Victim’s Emergency Medical Response Fund (SAVE Fund) or the Oregon State Crime Victim’s Compensation Program. Medical expenses include care for injuries that occurred during assault, imaging, laboratory tests, and medications that are provided at time of visit.
What to Expect:
Our team of trained SANE nurses will meet with you to ensure that you are receiving the highest quality medical care. We can offer several options including evidence collection, Sexually Transmitted Infection and pregnancy prophylaxis medications, forensic photography, assistance reporting to police, and connection to local resources. We will contact a community-based advocate who will respond to the hospital to provide services if you choose. We provide clothes to survivors if clothing is collected as evidence.
Options:
Reporting is your choice. You do not have to report to law enforcement to be seen by a SANE. If you decide not to report, evidence can still be collected with an anonymous kit collection. An anonymous kit will be stored for 60 years at your local Law Enforcement Department. If you are under the age of 18 or over the age of 65 medical providers are required to report abuse to law enforcement. You will still receive a private exam, medical care, and resources.