SANE Services

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Services (SANE)

The ETSU Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program is currently available to provide caring confidential services to you or someone you know who has been sexually assaulted. You may call or visit the ETSU University Health Center at 423-439-4225 during our regular office hours of Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. University Health Center is located in Suite160 Nicks Hall. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) with specialized training will respond to provide your medical care. Trained sexual assault advocates will also be offered to you for continued support.

For Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services after business hours, please call 1-888-915-7299 and a SANE Coordinator will be contacted to assist you.

A sexual assault is a traumatic event with both emotional and physical consequences.  It is an act of control, intimidation, and violence - it is NOT your fault. You did not cause this to happen. Contacting Student/University Health Services is one of the first steps to recovery.  

Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE)

If you desire, a trained SANE can perform a forensic examination after you have been assaulted. A forensic exam is done to collect and preserve evidence that can be used in a court of law. This is often referred to as an "evidence kit". It is optimal that sexual assault evidence be collected within 96 hours of the assault or rape.  Some may choose to report a sexual assault or rape as a crime, while others may not--this is ultimately a personal decision. 

• What can I expect during a forensic exam?

  • You will be seen by a SANE who has specialized training for sexual assault survivor care.  If you have questions at any time, do not hesitate to ask.  Remember, you can refuse any part of the exam if you so choose.
  • You will be asked to sign consent forms to perform the exam and to release information to law enforcement officials if you choose to file a police report.
  • You will be asked questions about your general health, past health problems, and medications that you take. 
  • You will be asked to give details about the assault.   These may include the date/time of the assault, where it took place, and what you have done since the assault occurred.  If you are wearing any of the clothing you wore during the assault, you will be asked to give them up as evidence.  If you have already changed clothes, you will be asked to place all of the clothing including your underwear in a paper bag or pillow case and bring to the SANE. 
  • You will be asked to change into a gown during your exam.
  • You will have some blood drawn for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and for DNA purposes.
  • Photos may be taken to note bruises, scrapes, or cuts.  You may need an X-ray if any fractures are suspected.  It is important to let the provider know of any place on your body that hurts.
  • The provider may look at your body with a special fluorescent lamp that allows them to see evidence not visible to the naked eye. 
  • The provider will then perform a physical exam to collect possible evidence.  This involves using cotton swabs to collect evidence from the inside of your mouth, under your finger nails, or on your hair or skin.
  • The final part of the exam is a genital exam where the provider checks for injury and collects further evidence.  
• What can I expect after the forensic exam?

  •  You will be offered prescription treatment to prevent some STIs and pregnancy, if necessary.
  • You will talk with a law enforcement officer if you choose to report the assault or rape. 
  • You will be encouraged to arrange follow-up counseling with the Student Health Clinic, The Counseling Center, Outreach & Advocacy: Sexuality Information for Students (OASIS) counselors can support and advocate for sexual assault and violence survivors as they discuss their experiences.  There may also be other agencies in the community that can provide assistance to survivors of sexual assault