One out of every three women, and one out of every seven men, is a victim of rape or sexual assault at some point in his or her lifetime.

The physical assault may be brief, but it is emotionally, psychologically, and physically devastating. The physical wounds will heal, but the emotional effects of the crime can haunt a victim of rape or assault for years to come.

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program
Valley Regional Hospital offers specially trained nurses to provide support, care, and assistance after a sexual assault. The SANE program provides

• Compassionate, non-judgmental care
• The comfort and security of treatment by a specially trained female nurse examiner who will provide uninterrupted care
• A comprehensive exam to determine the extent of physical injury and proper treatments to begin the healing process
• Appropriate counseling, referral and follow-up
• Professional evidence collection for use in court if the victim chooses to report the crime

The healing process
Sexual assault is a brutal, degrading, and violent crime. The physical danger is real and the traumatic emotional effects of rape trauma syndrome are real. SANE will aid victims in beginning to heal the effects of an assault, recognizing various phases of recovery from trauma.