NCJ Number
218130
Journal
Journal of Forensic Nursing Volume: 3 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2007 Pages: 24-34
Date Published
2007
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article describes the features of 231 SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) programs across the country based on telephone interviews with SANE program coordinators conducted from February 15, 2005, through August 5, 2005.
Abstract
Although there was relative consistency among programs for the primary forensic documentation tools, 20 percent of the programs reported never using a colposcope, a tool that has been cited as important because it increases injury detection. The majority of programs reported that their outside time parameter for collecting DNA evidence was 72 hours; however, a small percentage of programs indicated they would still try to collect DNA evidence up to 120 hours or even longer under certain circumstances. Research suggests that the shorter the time between the assault and the forensic exam, the better will be the forensic evidence. Only 38.5 percent of programs reported having a formal system for letting SANE programs know about case outcomes. Feedback on case outcomes might provide the opportunity to learn how procedures might be changed and improved in order to increase the chances of a conviction. SANE program coordinators discussed a number of obstacles that prohibited the collection of evidence without a police report, such as funding constraints. The low rate of follow-up care by SANE programs for sexual assault victims was likely due to lack of funds and staff. The most frequently mentioned problems for SANE programs included staffing, funding, and conflicts or lack of cooperation with various agencies in the community. Suggestions for overcoming some of these problems are the increased access to and sharing of information and increased access to training and continuing education. 9 tables and 20 references