Altru Health System provides sensitive health care and treatment to victims
of sexual assault and rape. A sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) is
available 24 hours a day.
If you have been sexually assaulted or raped, you have experienced a serious
personal trauma. Whatever the circumstances, you did not deserve it. It
is not your fault. You do not have to cope alone. We are here to support you.
Although every sexual assault victim has the right to report the crime,
not all choose to do so. Regardless of whether it’s reported to
law enforcement, all victims have the right to crisis intervention, counseling,
support groups, medical care and legal services.
If you have been the victim of sexual assault, call
911 or visit
Altru’s Emergency Room immediately to receive medical care.
Who Is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner?
A sexual assault nurse examiner is a registered nurse with special education
and training surrounding the care of people who have experienced sexual
and family violence. The nurse offers information and support needed to
make personal choices about health care following rape, sexual assault
or family violence.
What Should I Do if I Am Sexually Assaulted?
Call
911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away. Do not destroy the
evidence of a sexual assault:
Do not wash yourself, brush your teeth or rinse your mouth
Do not wash any wounds
Do not eat, drink or go to the bathroom
Do not change clothes
What to Expect
A sexual assault nurse examiner can evaluate a victim whose assault has
occurred within the previous 96 hours (four days).
During a sexual assault exam, the nurse will:
Identify and care for injuries
Collect physical evidence
Collect photos of injuries, if needed
Assess risk of sexually transmitted diseases and give preventative treatment
Assess risk of pregnancy and present emergency prevention options
Give crisis information and referral to support services
Provide referrals for appropriate medical follow-up
Throughout the process, you will be told exactly what will be done and
why. All of your information will be kept private. During your exam, you
can ask questions or refuse any part of the process. You can ask to have
someone with you, including a friend, family member or other medical advocate.
Community Education
Violence is a major public health problem. Understanding it is the first
step toward intervention.
Altru’s sexual assault nurse examiners are available to visit schools
and community groups to educate students and adults about:
