Support for victims and survivors of sexual violence.
Gunnison Valley Health's Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program is
staffed by nurses with acute training in caring for recent victims of
sexual assault. Our SANEs provide trauma-informed, victim-centered care,
and are equipped to conduct a Medical Forensic Exam to collect evidence.
What do if you have been assaulted?
If you are in danger, call 911 immediately or go to an
Emergency Department for medical care and treatment.
Remember you are not alone
Talk with an advocate or a trusted friend
An exam can still be completed even if you have changed clothes, showered,
brushed your teeth, etc.
What is a medical forensic exam and what to expect?
Upon arriving at the
Emergency Department, nursing and medical staff will make sure you are stable and want a medical
forensic exam. In the exam the patient will receive care for the physical
and emotional trauma that occurred with an assault. The patient is in
complete control of the entire exam. Our nurses will offer the following
steps and work with the patient to determine which steps they want to complete:
Take a history of the assault for the purposes of diagnosis and treatment.
Complete a head-to-toe examination, evaluating injuries and screening for
concussion.
Perform a detailed genital examination if sexual assault occurred.
Collect any forensic evidence throughout the examination.
Provide resources and education to patients regarding injury findings,
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy prevention and provide
prevention medication.
Provide appointments for follow-up care at our forensic nurse examiner
outpatient clinic, community resources, safety planning, victims' advocates,
and counseling resources.
Maintain a legal chain of custody for evidence.
Provide expert witness testimony in court, when necessary.
When should an exam be done?
An exam should be conducted as soon as possible following an assault. However,
evidence can still be collected 120 hours after the assault. Even if evidence
cannot be collected, it is important to go to the nearest emergency department,
clinic or primary care provider. Health and safety are the main priority
of the nursing care. Please come directly to Gunnison Valley Health's 24/7
Emergency Department for immediate care.
What to do or not do before a medical forensic exam?
To help preserve evidence prior to collection:
Don't take a bath or shower.
Don't eat or drink if there was oral contact.
Keep on or bring in the clothing that was worn at the time or immediately
after the assault.
If any of the above items have be done, the exam can still be conducted
and evidence can still be found.
What if you don't want to report a sexual assault?
Colorado offers three reporting options:
Law-enforcement reporting: This means you wish to participate in an investigation with police. This
is the only option available for anyone under the age of 18.
Medical reporting: This allows you to let police know who you are. It also allows you to
choose to test your kit or hold it for two years without participating
in an investigation at this time.
Anonymous reporting: Police will not know your name. They will hold your kit for a period
of at least two years. Your kit cannot be tested unless you wish to change
to law-enforcement or medical reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I don't want police to know?
Anonymous reporting allows for medical care with evidence collection while
keeping your identity anonymous to law enforcement
I have already showered. Should I still come in?
Yes, come in to the emergency department as soon as possible. Evidence
can still be found, even if you have showered, and a medical exam can
still be done.
Can I bring a friend?
You can bring support people with you. There will also be an advocate available.
I was drinking. I think something happened, but I'm not sure. What should I do?
We can still do a medical forensic exam and provide you with medical treatment
and evidence collection. In addition, we can provide you with community
resources and discuss options with you.
Who pays for the exam?
Costs associated with a sexual assault exam are covered by the victim's
compensation, law enforcement or the Department of Criminal Justice. In
the state of Colorado, there is also the
Sexual Assault Victim Emergency Fund Program (SAVE). The program helps pay for costs associated with obtaining a medical forensic
exam (MFE). A nurse examiner and medical staff can discuss these details
with the patient.
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