The Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program provides education, training and technical assistance for healthcare providers that care for patients who have suffered sexual assault, and in the use of the Maine sex crimes kit for collection of evidence. This national model utilizes an interdisciplinary, community-based approach for the dignified and compassionate care and treatment of sexual assault patients.
What is a Forensic Examiner?
A Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) is a health care provider who has been specially educated to provide medical and forensic care for a patient who has suffered sexual assault/abuse, trained in the collection of forensic evidence, and to testify in court as an expert or fact witness. Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and physicians may participate in the education.
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Training
The SAFE Advisory Board has issued recommendations for those health care providers who are seeking specialized training in the assessment, treatment and care of patients who have suffered sexual assault/abuse across the lifespan. These recommendations are intended to: promote the development of specialized skills necessary to provide comprehensive and quality medical-forensic care for the patient who has suffered sexual assault/abuse; ensure training in the collection, documentation, and management of evidence collected during the medical/forensic examination of the patient; and prepare health care providers to testify in legal proceedings relating to information and evidence gathered during the course of the medical/forensic examination.
For more information contact:
Alicia Hunter, Violence Prevention Program Manager
(207) 592-0315
alicia.hunter@maine.gov
Danielle Coutu, RN, SAFE-A, SAFE-P, SANE-A, SANE-P Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program Coordinator
(207) 356-1681
danielle.coutu@maine.gov
Public Notice
The next SAFE Advisory Board meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, July 11 (remote) and September 12 (in person), 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT.
A smaller subcommittee will be meeting to discuss plans for a statewide evidence kit tracking system, on the following dates/times:
6/8/23 at 1:30
7/13/23 at 1:30
8/10/23 at 1:30
Zoom links to attend are available upon request. Please email Alicia Hunter for more information.