Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) & Medical Forensic Program
Specialized, trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and non-fatal strangulation.
Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exams
Our SANE Team provides medical forensic examinations for sexual assault patients age 16 and older, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our participating emergency departments.
There is no cost to the patient for the medical forensic examination. You do not need insurance, and you are not required to file a police report to receive care.
Patients under 16 are cared for through our partner, Our Kids. If you are not sure where to go, come to any location listed below and our team will help you get to the right place.
What to Expect During a Sexual Assault Exam
Every examination is individualized. You are in control of your care. You may choose which portions of the examination you want to take part in, and you may stop or decline any portion at any time.
Depending on your needs and preferences, your care may include:
- Connection with an advocate and community resources
- A private discussion about what happened and your current medical concerns
- Head-to-toe physical examination
- Assessment and documentation of injuries
- Forensic photography, with your consent
- Forensic evidence collection, when appropriate
- Testing and medications when indicated
- Education about your health and what symptoms to watch for
- Safety planning and connection to additional resources
- Coordination of follow-up medical care and support
You do not have to make every decision at once. Our goal is to provide information, options, and compassionate care while you make the decisions that are right for you.
Non-Fatal Strangulation & Intimate Partner Violence
The NGH Medical Forensic Program also provides specialized evaluations for patients age 18 and older who have experienced non-fatal strangulation related to intimate partner violence, even when sexual assault did not occur.
Strangulation can cause significant injury even when there are no visible marks on the neck. A medical forensic evaluation may include:
- Detailed history and strangulation symptom assessment
- Head-to-toe physical and neurologic examination
- Injury documentation
- Forensic photography
- Evidence collection when appropriate
- Assessment for the need for emergency or advanced medical care
- Patient education and return precautions
- Advocacy and safety planning
- Referrals and follow-up care
If you have concerning or emergency symptoms, call 911 or seek immediate emergency medical care.
Where to Receive Care
Medical forensic care is available at several locations across Nashville. Any of these can connect you with care.
Family Safety Center Medical Forensic Clinic
610 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37210 · 615-880-1100. Medical forensic services for adults experiencing intimate partner violence and non-fatal strangulation. Advocacy, safety planning, Orders of Protection, and additional community resources also available.