If you have been sexually assaulted, you may know that you can go to a hospital emergency room for a forensic examination, sometimes known as a rape kit, to collect DNA evidence and make sure you receive appropriate care. But not every hospital has people trained to provide this service, so NBC News has compiled a map with information on where to find help in the form of SANEs—specially trained sexual assault nurse examiners—in each state.
SANEs help walk sexual assault providers through the process, letting them know about their rights and options while collecting evidence. Many hospitals don’t have SANEs available 24/7, and some don’t have them at all, NBC reports, noting that training nurses to do these exams is not a money maker for hospitals—so SANEs tend to come from programs organized by state governments or nonprofits. NBC’s reporters called each state to ask how people can access a sexual assault exam, and found that many didn’t track staffing or couldn’t provide an up-to-date list of where to find qualified examiners.
As a result, they built this map, which should give you a place to start. You’ll find a link to the statewide directory, if there is one, and information about local hospitals and rape crisis centers. Sometimes it’s best to contact the hospital first; in others, you’re best off calling a crisis center.
Another option, no matter what state you are in, is to call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline, run by RAINN. This hotline will connect you to a local affiliate where someone should be able to help you find appropriate care.
