Supporting Sexual Assault Survivors: The SANE Program at Loyola Medicine

At Loyola Medicine, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for survivors of sexual assault through our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program. This initiative ensures that survivors receive the medical, emotional, and legal support they need in the immediate aftermath of an assault, with specialized nurses available to offer assistance 24/7 at MacNeal Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center, and Gottlieb Memorial Hospital.

Savanna Suydam, BSN, CEN, SANE-A, is a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and is one of the leaders of the SANE program at Loyola Medicine.

"Since the program started on May 1, every single sexual assault patient has been cared for by a certified sexual assault nurse. We want every person who walks through our doors to know that they have someone who they can trust during this difficult time," she says.

What is the SANE program?

Loyola Medicine's SANE program provides medical and forensic care to survivors of sexual assault, ages 13 and above, within seven days of the incident. This time frame allows our team to collect crucial forensic evidence while caring for the patient’s medical stability and emotional wellbeing. Our certified SANE nurses are highly trained to respond within 90 minutes of being called, providing timely support and reducing the stress survivors may feel when seeking help.

When a patient arrives at the hospital, they are first triaged by an emergency room nurse before being moved to a private room. Here, a SANE nurse is called to begin the forensic examination. This examination is sensitive to the needs and comfort of the survivor.

"The program is designed so that when survivors of sexual assault present to the hospital within seven days of the assault, we initiate forensic services, after obviously making sure that they're stable medically," says Suydam.

Why is the SANE program important?

Sexual assault is a deeply traumatic experience, and many survivors may not seek help due to fear, shame, or lack of resources. At Loyola Medicine, we recognize the critical importance of providing immediate, sensitive, and supportive care for survivors. Our SANE program ensures that patients receive not only medical attention but also the emotional and legal support needed to aid their recovery.

Since its inception on May 1, 2024, the SANE program has had a significant impact on our community, with increased recognition and referrals from local police and fire departments. Survivors have expressed appreciation for the structured and comprehensive care they receive at Loyola, highlighting the difference it makes compared to previous experiences without a dedicated program.

"The response from the community has been very good. I’ve had patients say, 'I was treated here several years ago for sexual assault, and this is so different. It feels very structured, like I'm actually being cared for by someone who really knows what they’re doing,'" says Suydam.

The forensic examination process

A SANE nurse will conduct a forensic examination by gathering medical history, demographic information, and details of the assault. The provider will begin the process by asking detailed questions about the assault to determine the best course of action for collecting evidence.

The nurse will then conduct a head-to-toe examination to check for any injuries and to also identify possible sources of evidence. This may involve a close examination of private areas (genital and anal) to ensure all injuries are documented and any potential forensic evidence is collected. It is important to note that survivors have complete control over this process—every step of the examination is explained thoroughly, and survivors have the right to decline any portion of the exam.

"The forensic examination is entirely guided by the survivor, and we want to make sure they feel in control at every stage. They are able to say no to any part of the exam that they want," says Suydam.

The provider uses the Illinois State Police Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (ISPECK), which contains swabs, papers, and other materials needed to collect DNA or other forensic samples. Depending on the information provided during the medical history, the nurse may collect evidence such as clothing or swabs from the mouth, hair, skin, fingernails, genitalia, or anus. All swabs are done with the survivor's expressed consent, ensuring that they maintain autonomy over their body throughout the examination. Forensic photography may also be used to document visible injuries, and specialized tools such as black light and dyes are employed to expose and identify hidden injuries.

In addition to collecting evidence, the nurses provide essential medical care and resources to help survivors begin their journey to recovery. This includes administering prophylactic medication to prevent STIs, as well as offering advocacy services, clothing, and information on local support resources like counseling and emergency shelters.

Advocacy and support for survivors of sexual assault

Our SANE nurses work closely with medical advocates from Pillars Community Health, who provide emotional support and practical assistance to survivors during their time at the hospital. These advocates also assist with protective orders and offer long-term support, such as free counseling. The goal is to help survivors navigate the complex journey of recovery, ensuring they receive continuous support beyond their hospital visit.

If a survivor would like to speak with law enforcement, advocates accompany them through every step. This may include filing police reports, attending preliminary hearings, and supporting the survivor in court. However, survivors are also given the option to report anonymously to preserve their privacy, while still allowing the possibility of legal prosecution in the future.

SANE nurses provide specialized training and expertise

The SANE nurses at Loyola Medicine are highly specialized and undergo extensive training to serve survivors effectively. The certification process takes about a year and includes a 40-hour didactic course, followed by 60 hours of clinical practice. All SANE nurses are certified through the Illinois Attorney General's Office, and they continue to pursue education in forensics to maintain their skills.

"Our team has nurses from different backgrounds—some are psych nurses, ER nurses, ICU nurses—all bringing a unique mix of expertise creating a well-rounded team capable of addressing the various needs of survivors," says Suydam.

Privacy and protection for sexual assault survivors

At Loyola Medicine we understand how important privacy is for survivors. All information collected during the forensic examination is kept confidential, accessible only to those directly involved in the patient's care or if required by law. Primary care providers do not have automatic access to these records unless the survivor requests it.

Although the current program is focused on survivors of sexual assault, Loyola Medicine aims to expand services to support survivors of other forms of violence, such as domestic violence and pediatric sexual assault.

Resources

For more information, please visit the Illinois Attorney General's website for sexual assault resources, as well as:

• RAINN | The nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization
• Pillars Community Health: Health & Social Services Near Chicago
• Your Rights and Choices for a Forensic Medical Exam

Savanna Suydam-Widmar is a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE-A) and is one of the leaders of the SANE program at Loyola Medicine. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and certification in emergency nursing (CEN), Savanna brings extensive expertise in both emergency and forensic nursing. She is dedicated to ensuring survivors of sexual assault receive compassionate, patient-centered care, and she is actively involved in training and mentoring new SANE nurses to expand access to this vital service.