The Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program provides education, training and technical assistance for health care providers that care for patients who have been subjected to sexual assault, domestic violence, child sexual abuse, and dependent adult abuse/neglect. This national model utilizes an interprofessional, trauma-informed, person-centered approach for the care and treatment of victim/survivors.
What is a Forensic Examiner?
A Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) is a state-credentialed health care provider who has received specialized didactic training and clinical preparation to provide a comprehensive medical forensic examination for a patient who has experienced sexual assault/violence. Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians may participate in the education.
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Training
Two separate, foundational courses exist within Maine: Adult/Adolescent and Pediatric. Each course is forty hours in length, held in various locations across the State. Forensic nurses and invaluable community partners present to nurses, other health care providers, law enforcement, advocates and attorneys to outline tenets of sexual violence, introduce the interprofessional response and promote the development of specialized skills necessary to offer a comprehensive, trauma-informed, evidence-based medical forensic examination for the patient who has experienced sexual assault/abuse.
For more information contact:
Alicia Hunter, LSW
Violence Prevention Program Manager
(207) 592-0315
alicia.hunter@maine.gov
Danielle Coutu, RN
SANE-A, SANE-P, ME-SAFE-A, ME-SAFE-P
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program Coordinator
(207) 356-1681
danielle.coutu@maine.gov
Public Notice
The next SAFE Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT via Zoom.
Additional 2024 Advisory Board meeting dates include: March 12, May 14, July 9 and September 10. Please email Danielle Coutu for more information.