Sexual Assault Services
Confidential and compassionate care
Those who have been victims of sexual violence deserve special care that respects the circumstances that have occurred. Our dedicated sexual assault services program is available to female and male victims age 14 and older that have been assaulted in the last 72 hours and have reported or are willing to report the assault to local law enforcement.
Any child age 13 and younger that has been a victim of sexual abuse will be evaluated and treated by doctors who are experienced in pediatric emergency medicine. These doctors work hand-in-hand with a forensic nurse examiner, who is an expert in wound identification, documentation, digital photography and evidence collection. Some of our Novant Health emergency departments extend this confidential care to patients under the age of 14.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) team
Our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) team is comprised of registered nurses who have received specialized training in the care and treatment of sexual assault victims. In addition to providing compassionate care to survivors, our examiner collects forensic evidence for criminal prosecution and may be called as an expert witness in a court case.
Our sexual assault services include:
- Medical screening in the emergency room
- Private setting in the hospital for evidence collection
- Forensic evidence gathered by certified sexual assault nurse examiners
- Support for both the victim and their family members, provided by trained advocates
- Follow-up counseling services, including crisis intervention, support groups and counseling for individuals, couples or families
- Criminal justice support and advocacy
- Follow-up healthcare referrals
Forensic nurse program
Because medical providers are often the first responders to victims of crime, we have forensic nurses who have been trained to document and photograph injuries, and identify and collect evidence. These skills give patients the opportunity to face their attackers in court.
In addition, our forensic nurses work collaboratively with a Sexual Assault Response Team, whose members include:
- Law enforcement
- Rape crisis companions
- Hospital social workers
- District Attorney’s office
Our team of experts is on call 24 hours a day to help both female and male survivors of violent crimes, including domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from sexual assault, call the Novant Health facility in your area to schedule an appointment with one of our sexual assault experts.