Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program
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:
Polly Campbell, RN, BS, BA, Director
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program
Office of Violence Prevention
Dept. of Health and Human Services
11 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
207-626-8663
Polly.Campbell@Maine.gov
Featured Links
- Legislation governing the forensic examination payment process only, Title 5 M.R.S.A. §3360-M
- Guidelines for the Care of the Sexual Assault Patient (PDF)
- The mission of the International Association of Forensic Nurses is to provide leadership in forensic nursing practice by developing, promoting, and disseminating information internationally about forensic nursing science.
- The National Sexual Violence Resource Center serves as the nation's principle information and resource center regarding all aspects of sexual violence. It provides national leadership, consultation and technical assistance by generating and facilitating the development and flow of information on sexual violence intervention and prevention strategies. The NSVRC works to address the causes and impact of sexual violence through collaboration, prevention efforts and the distribution of resources.
- The Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault is organized to put an end to sexual violence in Maine, and to ensure that there will be ongoing support and services for victims and survivors.
- The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) mission is to create and encourage a social, political, and economic environment in which domestic violence no longer exists, and to ensure that battered women are supported and that batterers are held accountable.
See Also
- SAFE Examination Kit Instructions
- Sample Gross Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Claim Form (Word). Only original forms, contained in the forensic kits, may be submitted for reimbursement.
