What is the role of a SANE in sexual violence cases?

• A. Provide housing assistance only
• B. Judge the survivor
• C. Support the survivor through legal proceedings only
• D. Provide medical care, document injuries, collect forensic evidence, offer prophylaxis, and support the survivor through legal proceedings

Answer: (D)

The main concept here is that a SANE provides a comprehensive, trauma-informed response to sexual violence that combines medical care with forensic evidence collection and support through the survivor’s legal process. A SANE conducts a medical evaluation to treat injuries, screen for life-threatening concerns, and offer necessary care such as emergency contraception, HIV/STI prophylaxis, and other medications or tests as indicated. They carefully document injuries and preserve evidence, using proper chain-of-custody procedures, and may collect forensic samples when appropriate and with consent. The SANE also coordinates with law enforcement and the victim services system, explains options, and helps the survivor navigate reporting and legal steps, often accompanying them through court proceedings. Throughout, the SANE provides compassionate, nonjudgmental, and confidential care, prioritizing the survivor’s safety, autonomy, and wellbeing.

Options that focus only on housing, or only on legal proceedings, miss essential components of the SANE role—medical care, forensic evidence collection, and trauma-informed support—while guessing or judging the survivor would not align with SANE practice.