Sexual Assault Services

Program Overview

Presbyterian Hospital is the first in the community to have offer sexual assualt services. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse who has received specialized training in the care and treatment of survivors of sexual assault. In addition to providing compassionate care to survivors, SANEs collect forensic evidence and may be called as an expert witness in court cases.

Presbyterian's forensic nurses work collaboratively with a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), whose members include:

Sexual assault services offered at Presbyterian Hospital:

• Medical screening in the Emergency Department
•  
  Private setting in the hospital for evidence collection
• Forensic evidence gathered by certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners
• Support for victim and family by trained advocates
• Follow-up counseling services: crisis intervention, support groups, counseling for individuals, couples or families
• Criminal justice support and advocacy
• Follow-up health care referrals

Who does it serve? Sexual assault victims with the following criteria:

• Female and male victims, ages 14 and over
•  
  Victims who were assaulted within the last 72 hours
• Victims who reported or are willing to report to law enforcement

What care is available for children who are victims of sexual abuse?

Any child 13 years and younger will be evaluated at the Presbyterian Hospital Children's Emergency Department by board-certified pediatric emergency physicians. These physicians work collaboratively with the forensic nurse examiner who maintains expertise in wound identification, documentation, digital photography and evidence collection.

What if I have been sexually assulated and it has been greater than 72 hours?

Presbyterian emergency physicians are available 24/7 in our emergency departments to conduct a thorough medical evaluation along with prevention evaluation.

Domestic Violence Resources

Presbyterian also offers Project Safe, a comprehensive program to offer medical care and a connection to community resources for men, women and children of all ages who are experiencing violence in the home. Learn more