The Sexual Assault Treatment Center

Advocate South Suburban Hospital is the only hospital in Cook County, Illinois, staffed 24-hours a day with certified sexual assault nurse examiners to treat victims of sexual assault. We believe sexual assault victims have the right to immediate, compassionate, culturally-sensitive care and comprehensive forensic examination by trained professionals. Our Sexual Assault Treatment Center provides a higher standard of evidence collection and care, helping to speed the victim’s recovery.

What is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)?
A sexual assault nurse examiner is a registered nurse who has advanced education in forensic examinations of all sexual assault victims.

What training is needed for SANE certification?
Training for SANE certification involves both classroom and clinical education, including working with physicians, law enforcement, attorneys and rape advocates.

SANE training involves forensic evidence collection, including use of digital photography and specialized equipment, resulting in higher prosecution rates of sexual assault crimes.

SANE nurses are trained to provide compassionate care, which aids in the sexual assault victim’s physical and psychological recovery.

What are the program’s goals?

• To protect sexual assault victims from further harm
• To provide crisis intervention
• To provide timely, thorough and professional forensic evidence collection with preservation and proper documentation of evidence
• To provide preventive treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
• To evaluate pregnancy risk
• To assess, document and seek care for injuries
• To appropriately refer victims for immediate care, as well as follow-up medical care and counseling
• To assist law enforcement agencies in obtaining evidence and successfully prosecuting sexual assault cases

How can you obtain more information about the program?
To learn more about South Suburban Hospital’s Sexual Assault Treatment Center, contact Nancy Healy, SANE coordinator, at 708-213-4611.