The Office of Child and Family Services houses Maine’s Violence Intervention and Response Program, which includes the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program.
The Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program provides education, training and technical assistance for healthcare providers that care for patients who have been subjected to sexual assault, domestic violence, child sexual abuse, and dependent adult abuse/neglect.
What is a Forensic Examiner?
A Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) provides healthcare to victim/survivors of sexual assault and violence.
A SAFE is a state credentialed healthcare provider that has received specialized training and clinical preparation to facilitate a comprehensive, person-centered medical forensic examination for a patient. Two credentials are available: Adult/Adolescent (ME-SAFE-A) and Pediatric/Adolescent (ME-SAFE-P).
State of Maine SAFE Standards for Credentialing (PDF)
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 healthcare 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.
SAFE Education and Events 2025 (PDF)
For more information contact:
Alicia Hunter, LSW
Violence Intervention and Response 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
SAFE Advisory Board meetings are scheduled for March 11, May 20, July 8, September 9 and November 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Please e-mail Danielle Coutu for more information.