It’s a terrible reality that more than half of all women and nearly one in three men will suffer a violent sexual assault in their lifetimes. And each year, more than 100,000 survivors will seek care in an emergency department. Many are too scared, or even ashamed, to tell anyone what happened.
Despite these facts, there remains a severe shortage of sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs)—nurses who have undergone specialized training to identify the signs of sexual assault or rape and provide the patient-centered and trauma-informed care survivors need. This shortage is especially pronounced in the South and the Gulf, where recent reports have estimated as few as 44 certified SANEs for the entire state of Alabama and its population of roughly 5 million people. The same report uncovered only six in Mississippi.
Sarasota Memorial’s forensic program has more than 40, and they’ve been caring for patients in Sarasota County since 2015.
The Importance of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners
“Beyond the physical injury, sexual assault has long-term consequences for the survivor, especially when they are too afraid or ashamed to seek help,” says Elizabeth Kovach, RN, the board-certified sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) who coordinates Sarasota Memorial’s forensic program. These long-term consequences can include sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy concerns, PTSD, anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts.
“Our first job is to make them feel safe and secure,” Kovach says. “ Because simply coming through that door and having the courage to ask for help can be an incredibly challenging experience.”
Once through that door, the Sarasota Memorial SANE team counsels and cares for survivors of sexual assault and other acts of violence, providing ongoing support through the healing process. This includes connecting survivors to community resources, informing them of all their options moving forward, and a medical examination by trained forensic nurses who can identify and document injuries, and even collect evidence, should the survivor wish to contact legal authorities at any point. And if criminal charges are filed, SMH forensic nurses will work with authorities to provide expert testimony in the courtroom.
“In many cases, adults are not required to report sexual assault to law enforcement,” says Kovach, who also serves as the Florida Chapter President of the International Association of Forensic Nurses. “But it’s important for them to know they can still access care, resources and critical support.
“When they come to the ER, they can choose what they would like to do, and it’s our job to support them in those decisions.”
Ending the Forensic Nursing Shortage in Our Region
Since the inception of Sarasota Memorial’s forensic program, the number of survivors receiving the specialized care and attention they need has been steadily increasing, from about 5-6 patients per month in 2016 to nearly 20 per month today. In 2023, the SMH team cared for 215 sexual assault patients, up from 200 the year before. In total, the team has helped more than 1,200 survivors in its 10 years.
But with numbers still on the rise, so are concerns about the national shortage of sexual assault nurse examiners. To address this shortage in our region, Sarasota Memorial’s forensics team has been collaborating with other agencies to expands its outreach and increase survivor access, training more than 100 other nurses in the community, as well as other professionals who work with sexual assault survivors. In 2023, the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Accreditation Committee commended SMH’s forensic nurses, highlighting their program as a “top exemplar” and model for other hospitals across the nation.
Forensic Exams Available at No Cost for Survivors
If you or someone you know is in need of a professional forensic examination, do not let cost concerns get in the way.
At Sarasota Memorial, forensic exams for survivors are performed at no cost.
Resources for Survivors
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, specially trained nurses are available at Sarasota Memorial’s three emergency care centers in Sarasota, Venice and North Port.
You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
For online help, including chat hotlines in English and Spanish, visit: www.rainn.org/resources
To view the full smh HealthCasts interview with Elizabeth Kovach, RN, click here.
Written by Sarasota Memorial copywriter Philip Lederer, MA, who crafts a variety of external communications for the healthcare system. SMH’s in-house wordsmith, Lederer earned his Master’s degree in Public Administration and Political Philosophy from Morehead State University, KY.