NCJ Number
241673
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 26 Issue: 18 Dated: December 2011 Pages: 3618-3639
Date Published
December 2011
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Sexual assault survivors often feel traumatized by the care received in traditional hospital emergency departments.
Abstract
Sexual assault survivors often feel traumatized by the care received in traditional hospital emergency departments. To address these problems, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs were created to provide comprehensive medical care, crisis intervention, and forensic services. However, there is limited research on the actual experiences and emotional impact of sexual assault survivors who seek treatment from SANEs. This qualitative study examined twenty rape survivors' experiences with forensic nurse examiners of a Midwestern SANE program. Findings suggest that SANEs provided survivors with care and compassion, clear explanations, and choices. Taken together, these positive experiences were perceived as "humanizing". However, some survivors perceived forensic nurses as hurtful when they were not provided with choices, explanation, and/or acted cold and distant. Implications for future research on SANE care and practice are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.