If you are or have been a victim of sexual or domestic violence, to get support and a forensic examination:
Please go to the Emergency Department at one of our points of service and ask to see the SANE program nurse.
You do not have to explain the reason for your visit to triage; just ask to see the SANE program nurse.
You are NOT required to report the assault to police to receive the services of a SANE program nurse.
No police officer is present during the medico-legal examination.
The SANE program will provide you with many options. With your consent, the SANE program nurse will:
- ask you questions about the assault;
- perform a physical examination to check for any injuries;
- conduct screening tests to allay any concerns about sexually-transmitted or blood-borne infections (STBBI);
- The SANE program nurse will respect and support the option that you choose.
- examine you and give you medical treatment and a drug to prevent pregnancy and/or STBBI.
- refer you to specialized resources if needed;
- offer to collect samples for medico-legal purposes. Samples may be submitted to the police OR be kept for six months if you do not wish to report the assault immediately.
You may refuse certain parts of the examination or change options at any time.
You are the one who decides how you want to proceed.
The SANE program nurse will respect and support the option that you choose.
Objectives
- Provide care and specialized services that meet the needs of the victims
- Promote recovery and healing
- Increase the conviction rate of attackers
- Obtain quality DNA samples
- Maximize the options available to victims
- Ensure the cooperation of community and government partners
- Provide access to the services of a SANE program nurse in a reasonable timeframe and geographic location
- Inform the public and raise awareness about healthy relationships
Who can receive SANE services?
- Adults, adolescents and children who are victims of sexual violence
- Adults and adolescents who are victims of domestic violence
- Men, women and persons of any other gender identity
How to access this service?
Please go to the Emergency Department at one of our points of service and ask to see the SANE program nurse.
