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Abstract: 

This article highlights the dramatic increase (1533%) in the rate of sexual assault visits to emergency rooms over a 13-year period. The authors attribute this rise to heightened public awareness spurred by movements like #MeToo and #TimesUp which, thankfully, have empowered survivors to seek help. Historically, sexual assault survivors have encountered challenges to receiving trauma-informed medical care that addresses their unique physical and psychological needs. The authors advocate for the implementation of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs as well as the establishment of accreditation standards for hospitals to ensure the availability of trained examiners. Addressing these challenges is vital to improving the health outcomes of sexual assault survivors and supporting their recovery.

Keywords: Emergency Department Sexual Assault Care; Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Care

Affiliations:  1: International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN); 2: IAFN.