Sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) are trained to care for survivors of violence, conducting forensic exams and providing follow-up care.
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In some areas of the U.S., there is a lack of access to forensic exams for sexual assault survivors due to a shortage of SANEs and limited availability.
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Survivors may have to travel long distances to receive proper medical care and forensic exams after experiencing sexual assault.
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A 2022 law mandated the creation of a national directory of sexual assault nurse examiner locations, but no comprehensive resource exists to direct survivors to the nearest forensic exam.
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Forensic exams, also known as rape kits, are crucial for addressing physical and mental health needs, collecting evidence, and supporting survivors.
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Forensic nurses provide more comprehensive care and accurate evidence collection compared to other medical staff.
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The shortage of forensic nurses is exacerbated in rural areas, making it challenging to provide 24/7 coverage.
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The number of forensic nurses has decreased in recent years, partly due to budget constraints and the stress of the job.
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Survivors who go to hospitals without forensic nurse examiners may not receive proper care, leading to potential delays in evidence collection.
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Efforts to create a national database of SANE locations have been hindered by a lack of funding, leaving survivors to navigate the healthcare system on their own.
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