SANE - Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program at Meriter Hospital provides services to sexual assault victims through Meriter's Emergency Department. It is the only program of its kind in Dane County, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The SANE Program has been providing care to victims of sexual assault since 1988.

The program cares for women, men and children. Meriter Hospital's SANE nurses see about 400 sexual assault victims each year including about 200 who are under the age of seventeen. SANE nurses will help victims from anywhere, not just Dane County and regardless of ability to pay.

Services Provided

The SANE Program is staffed by registered nurses that have received advanced education and instruction in the medical-forensic examination of sexual assault victims, and in the psychological and emotional trauma that may be present after an assault. The SANE nurse can provide:

• Crisis intervention.
• Assistance with reporting the crime to the police. Adult victims decide whether they want to report the assault to the police. The reporting of an assault is mandatory when the victim is a child.
• An examination looking for injury. This examination includes the use of forensic colposcopy and photography, which enhances injury assessment and documentation.
• Collection of medical-forensic evidence that may be useful in court.
• Assistance with concerns about sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy, including prophylactic treatment for the prevention of certain sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
• Assistance with finding a safe place to go.
• Development of a medical follow-up plan.
• Expert witness testimony should the case go to court.

At Meriter, we also work with Domestic Abuse Intervention Services to assist those in abusive relationships. If you need help with a safety plan or need to talk to someone, please call our 24-hour helpline at (608) 251-4445 or TDD/Voice at 1-800-747-4045. You do not have to give anyone your name.

Referral to Other Services

The SANE nurse refers patients to professionals who can provide additional services including:

• The Rape Crisis Center for assistance with crisis intervention, advocacy and counseling.
• Healthcare providers for follow-up medical care.
• The Crime Victim Compensation Fund, which provides reimbursement for medical care, clothing, time lost on the job and other losses as a result of the assault.
   

After the Exam

A SANE nurse calls the victim to discuss any lab test results and to offer additional referrals as needed. With the victim's permission, the referring and/or follow-up healthcare providers receive examination and lab test results, and are contacted to discuss any follow-up needs the victim may have.

Fees/Insurance

All clients are served regardless of ability to pay. If the patient has medical coverage through insurance, an HMO or medical assistance, that provider will be billed for the emergency room visit, labs and any medication. If the patient has no medical coverage, she or he may be eligible for assistance from the Crime Victim Compensation or the Uncompensated Care Program through Meriter Hospital.

Speaker Service

SANE nurses are available to speak to groups and organizations. These speakers present up-to-date information about sexual assault and its effects, as well as prevention, treatment and resources.

For More Information

For more information, call the SANE Program administrative office at (608) 417-5916.

The SANE Program is a community effort supported by:

• Friends of Meriter
• Madison Police Department
• Meriter Foundation
• Rape Crisis Center
• United Way of Dane County
• YWCA of Madison
• SANE Advisory Board

1/20/2009