Since 2008, the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence has housed and managed Vermont’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. Lead by a team of clinical and program coordinators, the SANE program trains, supports and certifies a cadre of highly skilled nurses across the state who provide forensic medical care to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and abuse, and collect evidence in accordance with a standardized evidence kit.

In 2019, the SANE program changed its name to the Vermont Forensic Nursing Program to more fully reflect the scope of care, expertise and services those in the Vermont SANE community have come to provide throughout the state and beyond.

There are currently over 90 certified SANEs credentialed and supported by the Vermont Forensic Nursing Program. Of those nurses, 23 have additional training qualifying them to serve child victims of assault and abuse. The vast majority of our SANE nurses are hospital-based emergency room providers. Each year, SANEs within the Vermont Forensic Nursing Program provide between 300-400 exams in 16 hospitals and clinics across the state. As part of the program oversight, the Vermont Network provides and tracks evidence kits and also staffs an interdisciplinary SANE Board.

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who we are

The work of the Vermont Forensic Nursing Program is made possible by a tremendous community of nurses, advocates, and allied professionals coming together offer responsive and compassionate care to survivors of assault and abuse.

Forensic Nurses - A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a registered nurse (RN) or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has advanced education and clinical preparation in the forensic examination of victims of sexual assault and abuse. In Vermont, SANEs also receive training to provide care and referrals to victims of strangulation, intimate partner violence, and human trafficking. SANEs ensure that survivors consistently receive prompt and compassionate emergency care. They are skilled at identifying physical and psychological needs. They ensure that victims will receive appropriate medical care and know what evidence to look for, how to document injuries and other forensic evidence, and provide referrals to Vermont Network Member Programs and other local organizations for follow-up care.

Advisory Board - The SANE Board was established in statute in 2007 by the Vermont Legislature to serve as the central leadership structure to the SANE Program. Throughout the years this group has evolved to function as a robust advisory Board to the Vermont Forensic Nursing Program, with the purpose of providing expertise and direction on the topics of (1) statewide program priorities, (2) training and education requirements, (3) standardization of SANE protocols and kits, and (4) statewide policy development. Board membership is established in statute and includes leaders and representatives from hospital, nursing, forensic, anti-violence and other state agencies. You can find the SANE Board meeting details here: SANE Board Meeting Agendas.

Program Coordinators - Our Coordination Team is made up of local leaders in forensic nursing, victim services, program coordination and policy advocacy in the movement to end gender-based violence in Vermont. The team is committed to the work of enhancing services, supports and resources available statewide to all people seeking emergency care after an experience of sexual assault or abuse. Through informed, compassionate and experienced leadership, our Program Coordinators continue to develop the Vermont Forensic Nursing Program as a clearinghouse for trauma informed responses and forensic medical care available to survivors across the state.