What to Expect During a Sexual Assault Exam
It is a worst nightmare come true, an assault you, your friend, or your loved one did not deserve. But you are not alone. There is kind, compassionate help after sexual assault. Though you may feel devastated, incredibly uncomfortable, or maybe a bit numb, a SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) appointment is important for many reasons following an assault. SANE nurses are expertly trained and are prepared to help you or someone you know take this first step toward healing.
Is a SANE Exam Really Important?
The exam is designed to assess any injuries you may have and to collect any evidence left on your body by the assailant.
Where Can I Go in Helena for a SANE Exam in Helena?
Options Clinic now offers SANE exams in a fully confidential, comfortable, and safe space. The Emergency Department at St. Peter’s Health also has a team of SANE nurses on-call and ready to help.
How Do I Prepare for a SANE Exam?
If possible, it’s helpful to receive an exam before showering, brushing your teeth, or changing your clothes following an assault. This will allow the SANE nurse to collect the strongest evidence. However, evidence may still be collectible for up to 5 days.
Even if you are unsure about reporting the assault, it is still very important to have a SANE exam as soon as possible. You will not be required to report, but the evidence will be there if you do decide to pursue this step later.
What can you expect during a SANE exam?
A SANE exam can take anywhere from 2-3 hours as each assault incident is completely unique.
SANE exams include specific questions designed to clearly document the facts, whether you decide to report or not. The questions are also designed to help the nurse most effectively care for you.
IF you give consent, the nurse may ask to take photos that will remain 100% confidential unless you grant permission for them to be used as evidence.
The nurse will ask for urine and blood samples. These samples may be used to identify already existing STDs or pregnancy. Treatment for STDs will be discussed and administered or prescribed at the time of the exam.
A pelvic exam is often part of the SANE process to assess injuries as well as collect evidence. You can decline this portion, but if penetration occurred, it is highly recommended.
If you need a break at any time during the exam, please do not hesitate to speak up. Your expert nurse will do everything she can to make you as comfortable as possible during the entire process.
How Do I Report the Assault?
During your SANE exam, the nurse will have a discussion with you about reporting. You deserve justice. This may also protect others from being victims in the future. However, the choice is up to you.
If you decide to report, there will be an interview with law enforcement, and they will create a report. Law enforcement will NOT be present during any part of the physical exam.
How Much Will It Cost?
In Helena, if an assault has been reported to a law enforcement agency or the Department of Justice, the costs associated with your exam will be covered by funding set aside for sexual assault victims. However, if additional follow-up testing or scans are needed (x-rays, a CT scan, further blood work, etc.), you or your insurance may be billed for these services. There are organizations and programs that want to help, so if you are a victim, don’t let potential billing keep you from getting for an exam.
Follow-Up Care Recommendations
2 Weeks: A medical exam is recommended to test for pregnancy and STDs if you were not presumptively treated and to assess current physical and mental health following the assault.
1 Month: Test-of-cure testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can be performed at this time as well as another physical and mental health check-in.
3 Months: Testing for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B/C can be administered at this time with the expectation of accurate results.
Remember, you are not alone, and this is not your fault. There is hope and recovery following sexual assault. Pursuing a SANE exam is an important step in your process of healing.
Please call Options Clinic at 406-422-1011 or visit the Emergency Department at St. Peter’s Health if you have been assaulted and are in the Helena area.
Sources: Central Minnesota Sexual Assault Center and the Department of Justice