SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE/FORENSIC EXAMINERS TRAINING IN AUGUSTA
November 19, 2004
NOVEMBER 19, 2004
CHARLES DOW, DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, 207-626-8577
Nurses from around the state have gathered in Augusta for specialized training required for State certification as Sexual Assault Nurse/Forensic Examiners (SANE/SAFE). The training is coordinated by the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program, which is part of the Attorney General’s Office, in conjunction with the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the Maine State Police Crime Lab, Rape Crisis Assistance & Prevention in Waterville, and Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center in Augusta.
On Thursday, the group learned about Maine laws on sexual assault and abuse and mandated reporting, and discussed testifying as a witness. Today, a mock trial on a gross sexual assault case is being held in Augusta Superior Court. The roles of the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, investigator and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner are being played by a professionals from each discipline. Members of the community will play the twelve jury and two witness roles.
The purpose of the training is to provide participants, primarily Registered Nurses, with a trial experience that will increase their skills and knowledge of Maine law, court procedure, how to be a witness, and to fulfill one clinical requirement toward state SANE/SAFE certification. State standards for Sexual Assault Nurse/Forensic Examiners require that they have a working knowledge of Maine laws regarding sexual assault, and have attended at least two criminal trials, one of which must be a sexual assault trial.
Members of the media interested in covering the training should contact Charles Dow in the Attorney General’s Office, who will make arrangements with the trainers for interviews.
* * * * *
