As noted earlier, it is best to have medical forensic sexual assault examinations conducted by specially trained health care providers known as SANEs. SANEs complete rigorous classroom and clinical training beyond that required for their profession, based on guidelines developed by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)¹. The field is constantly evolving and SANEs participate in extensive continuing education to maintain and extend their expertise. The field is expanding into domestic violence examinations which are important for victims of intimate partner sexual abuse – the intersection of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The SANE’s role is to be an objective, neutral healthcare professional. This makes the SANE’s role very different from that of the victim advocate. If any aspect of the examination becomes part of a criminal trial, the SANE must be prepared to testify in court at the request of either the prosecution or defense. For this reason, having an advocate present during the examination – someone whose focus is solely to support the victim in the moment – is important for the victim. Specific ways victim advocates can support victims during these examinations are explained later in this module.