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Client: "I've never felt this safe in my life and I don't trust
often."
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Triage and Intake The sexual assault exam is always secondary
to treating emergency or life-threatening injuries. As a result the Nurse Examiner will evalute each pateint to ensure
that the patient is medially stable and able to consent to services.
Medical/Forensic History
The Nurse Examiner will ask the patenit questions about the incident which guides the Nurse Examiner in conducting the
medical/forensic examination. Items such as length of time since the assault, medical history and nature of the assault
all guide the Nurse Examiner in conducting the exam and providing services.
Medical/Forensic Examination
The Nurse Examiner will describe the various components of an examination at the time you arrive at the clinic. The
exam includes a head-to-toe medical assessment to determine the extent and type of injuries. If you have agreed to have
evidence collected this will be done by the Nurse Examiner as well. The Nurse Examiner will explain how and from which
body parts evidence will be collected. The evidence will be carefully packaged and the chain of custody preserved in
the event your case ends of being prosecuted. Upon your discharge the Nurse Examiner will go over the discharge plans
with you to ensure you understand everything completely.
Forensic Photography The purpose
of forensic photography is to supplement the medical narrative and document physical findings. Since injuries heal quickly
the photo documentation serves to preserve the images for the sake of the patient and the Nurse Examiner. The Nurse
Examiner will take photos to document your injuries if you so desire.
Referrals The Nurse
Examiner will provide you a list of referrals to assist you with your recovery from the injuries and the emotional trauma.
This will include referrals for counseling services, financial assistance, food and housing if necessary, and further medical
care and/or follow-up. The Nurse Examiner will also assist you in the event you have not reported to law enforcement
and choose to do so.
Follow-up Services The Albuquerque SANE Collaborative also provides
our patients with follow-up services. You will be asked by the Nurse Examiner if you wish to be contact by the follow-up
nurse. Follow-up services include additional photography of injuries, reviewing referrals, assistance with requesting
financial assistance for costs incurred as a result of the assault and other needed services.
Testimony
Nurse Examiners are specially trained to provide testimony in a court hearing if your case it to be tried by the District
Attorney's Office. The Nurse Examiner who did your exam has made a commitment to be available no matter how long
it takes your case to go to trial.
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For emergency SANE response
or to schedule a sexual assault exam
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505-884-7263
service for Albuquerque and surrounding areas
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Albuquerque SANE Collaborative * 625 Silver Ave., SW * Albuquerque, NM 87102
