Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program

Sexual assault examiner campaign

Sexual assault can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. The sooner you get medical attention, the sooner the healing process can begin.

Sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual contact. The perpetrator can be a stranger or someone you know. It can happen to anyone, and it’s important to understand that if you’ve been sexually assaulted, you are never to blame—regardless of what you were wearing or doing.

At Lakeside Hospital, we understand how important it is to act quickly after a sexual assault. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office to establish the area’s first and only Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to anyone (15 years and older*) who has been sexually assaulted—regardless of gender, location (of the crime and where they live), or police involvement.

*Victims of sexually-oriented crimes who are under 15 should go to the emergency room of Children’s Hospital New Orleans (located at 200 Henry Clay Avenue in New Orleans) or the Audrey Hepburn CARE Center (located at 1101 Calhoun Street in New Orleans.

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, Lakeside Hospital ER offers dedicated, safe suites where specially trained nurses use the latest technology to collect physical evidence and treat injuries in a private, confidential setting. SANE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No appointment is necessary and translation services are available for non-English speakers.

What should I do if I’ve been sexually assaulted?

Every situation is different, but there are three things you should do immediately:

1. Get to a place where you feel safe.
2. Preserve evidence. Try not to:
   • • Take a shower, bathe, or clean anything that might be evidence (including your body and clothes).
     • Brush, floss, or use mouthwash.
     • Use the bathroom (urinate).
     • Eat or drink anything.
     • Change your clothes.
3. Go to the emergency room for treatment or call 911 as soon as possible (forensic medical exams are only reliable for up to 120 hours (five days) after an assault).

We understand that the urge to cleanse yourself after an assault may be strong. But it’s best to arrive at the hospital in the same state so we can collect as much evidence as possible.

What will happen at the hospital?

Once you’ve checked into the emergency room, you’ll be examined by an ER doctor for any life-threatening injuries or illnesses. A SANE-certified nurse and medical advocate will then be called in, who will:

• Offer you information about your legal and medical options.
• Obtain and document your medical history.
• Collect and document evidence of a crime.
• Collaborate with hospital staff to ensure you are provided with medications to prevent pregnancy and many sexually transmitted diseases.
• Evaluate you for injuries or illnesses.
• Offer you a change of clothing and other comfort items.
• Provide referrals for follow-up care, including counseling and medical treatment.

All SANE-certified nurses undergo more than 100 hours of rigorous classroom and clinical training to prepare. They are highly trained to show compassion and sensitivity to victims, conduct forensic exams and collect evidence, provide effective courtroom testimony as needed, and coordinate sexual assault advocacy.

Do I have to report to the police?

Most of the time, it’s up to you whether to report sexual assault to the police. But in some instances, reporting is mandatory. Louisiana law requires anyone under 18 and those who are disabled or elderly to report instances of sexual assault.

If you do decide to report to the police, Louisiana state law requires the Coroner or his or her designee to examine all alleged victims of a sexually oriented criminal offense. You can learn more from the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office.

If you aren’t sure about reporting and need time to think about it, we suggest having an “unreported kit” collected and getting the medical treatment you need. That way, if you change your mind later, you’ll have what you need to move forward.

Do I have to pay for a SANE exam?

No. You will not be charged for any part of the SANE exam. That includes co-pays or deductibles. For private payers, submitting the ER visit to your insurance company is optional.

There are also financial resources available to you for follow-up medical expenses through a confidential Crime Victim Reparations Program. Your SANE nurse or medical advocate will give you additional information.

In Louisiana, state law requires the Coroner or his or her designee to examine all alleged victims of a sexually oriented criminal offense. Learn more from the Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office.

Lakeside Hospital and the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office offer a dedicated, safe suite where specially trained nurses use the latest technology to treat victims of sexual assault in a private, confidential setting. The SANE nurse provides one-on-one confidential expert care. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No appointment is necessary, and translation services are available for non-English speakers.

SANE-certified nurses undergo more than 100 hours of rigorous classroom and clinical training to prepare to:

• Show compassion and sensitivity to victims of sexual assault
• Conduct forensic exams and collect evidence
• Provide effective courtroom testimony
• Coordinate sexual assault advocacy

A forensic medical exam can be done up to five days (120 hours) after the assault has occurred, but getting treatment sooner than later is best for the victim.

Victims of sexually oriented crimes who are age 14 or under should report to the emergency room of Children’s Hospital New Orleans, 200 Henry Clay Ave., New Orleans, LA 70118 or the Audrey Hepburn CARE Center, 1101 Calhoun Street, New Orleans, LA 70118.

What should I do immediately?

• Get to a place where you feel safe.
• Preserve evidence, and try not to:
  • Take a shower, bathe or clean anything that might be evidence
  • Brush, floss or use mouthwash
  • Use the bathroom
  • Eat or drink anything
  • Change clothes

What are my options?

Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you would like police involvement.

What is a sexual assault?

A sexual assault is any type of unwanted sexual contact. It can happen to anyone. A person who is sexually assaulted is never to blame. The perpetrator of these crimes can be someone you know or a stranger.

What will happen at the hospital?

After you have been checked into the emergency room, a SANE nurse and medical advocate will be called while the emergency room physician evaluates you for any life-threatening illnesses and injuries.

The SANE nurse and medical advocate will:

• Offer you information about your legal and medical options
• Obtain and document your medical history
• Collect and document evidence of a crime
• Collaborate with hospital staff to ensure you are provided with medications to prevent pregnancy and many sexually transmitted diseases
• Evaluate you for injuries or illnesses
• Offer you a change of clothing and other comfort items
• Provide referrals for follow-up care, including counseling and medical treatment

Do I have to report to police?

You do not have to report the incident to police unless we are required by mandatory reporting laws, which only include victims under 18 years of age or disabled/elderly adults. If you are unsure about reporting, we suggest you have an “unreported kit” collected and receive medical treatment.

Do I have to pay for a SANE exam?

No. You will not be charged for any part of your SANE exam, including co-pays or deductibles. Submitting the visit to your insurance company is optional for private payers. There are also financial resources available for follow-up medical expenses through a confidential Crime Victim Reparations Program. Your SANE nurse or medical advocate will provide additional information.

Additional Resources

Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office
Department of Mental Health and Sexual Assault Services
504.365.9100

Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LaFASA)
1.888.995.7273

Mobile Crisis Services
504.832.5123

Metro Centers for Community Advocacy
504.837.5400

STAR – Sexual Trauma Awareness & Response
1.855.435.STAR (7827)

Child Protection Hotline (Ages 17 & Under)
1.855.452.5437

Bureau of Adult & Elderly Protection Services (Ages 18 & Over)
1.800.898.4910

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1.800.273.8255

Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network Nationwide (RAINN)
1.800.656.HOPE (4673)

211 or VIALINK
Phone: 211 or 504.269.2673
Text Hotline: 504.777.EASE (3272)