SAFE/SANE Care in the US
- alexoverem
- Jan 23
- 1 min read

January 21, 2025. The WHEM Journal Club focused on the state of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs in the U.S. and challenges in providing post-assault care for diverse populations. The discussion highlighted the historical development, efficacy, and barriers faced by SANE programs, including insufficient staffing, funding, and representation. Key issues identified were reduced program growth since 2009, lack of trauma-informed care partnerships, and the impact of COVID-19 on program sustainability.
A complementary discussion addressed barriers faced by trans and gender-diverse individuals in accessing post-assault care, emphasizing the need for gender-affirming practices, improved documentation, and innovative care approaches. Research underscored disparities in care and legal outcomes for this population and broader findings on forensic evidence’s limited role in criminal case progression. Attendees explored actionable strategies to reduce barriers, improve patient outcomes, and identify future areas for study.
This journal club is hosted by the WHEM division at NSUH/LIJ. All are welcome to join our meetings and our online discussion on our networking page. Invitations are sent out by email in advance. Use the form on our contact page to sign up:
Read the rest of the meeting notes below:

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