About the SANE exam

A SANE exam is …

A forensic medical exam that prioritizes compassionate medical care and careful evidence collection to address your emergency needs after a sexual assault.

A trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will walk you through the steps of the exam - you can choose to do as much or as little of the exam as you wish.

All SANE exams are free and confidential - you do not have to report a sexual assault to law enforcement to receive a SANE exam. (Although, if you choose to participate in a criminal legal process a SANE exam may be an important first step.)

You have the option to receive support from a confidential sexual violence advocate who can sit with you, answer questions, and connect you to more resources.

The exam typically includes care for injuries, treatment for possible sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and evidence collection and documentation.

With your consent, the exam kit will be sent to the Vermont Forensic Lab for analysis. The lab will process the kit and create a record of any DNA present - in case law enforcement can use that information in an investigation.

Adults and teens receive similar kinds of care during a SANE exam - although a mandated report will be made for any case involving a minor. For more information on forensic exams for patients who children - go to our Pediatric SANE exam information page.

Or email us with any questions: raenetta@vtnetwork.org