Triage and Intake The domestic violence exam is always secondary
to treating emergency or life-threatening injuries. As a result, the Nurse Examiner will evaluate all patients to ensure
that they are medically stable and able to consent to services.
Medical/Forensic History The Nurse Examiner will ask the patient questions
about the incident which guides the nurse in conducting the medical/forensic examination. Items such as length
of time since the incident, medical history and nature of the assault all guide the Nurse Examiner in the examination.
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
your injuries. Upon your discharge the Nurse Examiner will go over the discharge plans with you to ensure you understand
everything completely.
Forensic Photography The purpose for 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 SANE will take photographs 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 emotional trauma. These will include referrals for counseling services, financial
assistance, food and housing if necessary, and further medical care. The Nurse Examiner will also assist you in the
event you have not reported to law enforcement and chose to do so.
Follow-up services The Albuquerque SANE Collaborative also offers our
patients follow-up services. You will be asked by the Nurse Examiner if you wish to be contacted by the follow-up nurse.
Follow-up services include additional photography of injuries, reviewing referrals, assistance with requesting financial assistance
with 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 is to be tried by the District Attorney's
Office. The SANE who did your exam has made a commitment to be available to you, no matter how long it takes for your
case to go to trial.
Albuquerque SANE Collaborative * 625 Silver Ave., SW * Albuquerque, NM 87102
