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You Are Not Alone
Compassionate sexual assault medical and forensic care.
What is a SANE Nurse?
Specially trained nurses provide medical care, optional forensic evidence collection and connections to support after sexual assault.
You Have Choices. You Are in Control.
After experiencing sexual assault, you deserve to feel safe, heard and respected. At Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic, our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) provide compassionate, trauma-informed care centered around you and your decisions.
Your voice matters. You have the right to:
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Ask questions. Understand what is happening and why before making decisions about your care.
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Give or withhold consent. Choose which parts of the examination you are comfortable with.
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Take a break or stop. Pause or end the examination at any time.
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Have support. Ask about having a trusted support person or advocate with you.
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Understand your reporting options. Discuss your choices about involving law enforcement, including any reporting requirements that may apply.
You will never be expected to share more than you are comfortable sharing to receive compassionate support.
Our role is to provide medical care, explain your options and support your decisions without judgment.
Your voice matters. Your choices matter.
What Happens During a Forensic Medical Exam?
A forensic medical exam is a specialized examination for someone who has experienced sexual assault or abuse. It addresses immediate healthcare needs and may include documentation and evidence collection.
Every person's experience is different, and your care will be tailored to your individual needs.
1. A Safe, Supportive Environment
Your care begins in a private, supportive setting. You may choose to have a support person present.
2. A Conversation About Your Options
Before proceeding, your nurse will explain the examination, answer your questions and ask for your consent.
You will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and decide how you would like to proceed.
3. Medical Care
Your nurse may assess injuries, provide treatment and discuss medications that may help prevent infection or pregnancy.
Your immediate health and well-being are a priority.
4. Optional Forensic Evidence Collection
If you choose, your nurse may collect forensic evidence through methods such as swabs, photographs and documentation.
You can ask questions, decline individual portions of the exam, or pause or stop the process at any time.
5. Follow-Up Care and Support
Before you leave, your nurse can provide information about follow-up medical care, advocacy services and additional resources available to support your recovery.
Do I Have to Report to Law Enforcement?
Seeking medical care and deciding whether to report a sexual assault are separate considerations.
You may have options for receiving medical care and forensic evidence collection without immediately making a law enforcement report.
Your SANE nurse can explain the options available to you, including any applicable reporting requirements, so you can make informed decisions.
You do not have to have all the answers before asking for help.
Our SANE Program Provides
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Compassionate, trauma-informed medical care
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Specialized medical-forensic examinations
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Assessment and treatment of injuries
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Evidence collection when requested
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Information about available reporting options
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Connections to advocacy services and follow-up support
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A private, respectful environment centered on your needs
We're Here for You.
Whether an assault happened recently or you have questions about your options, reaching out can be an important first step.
You don't need to know exactly what to say or what kind of care you need. Our team can help you understand the services available and what to do next.
Ellinwood Hospital & Clinic
300 N. Park Ave.
Ellinwood, KS 67526
Call 620-564-2548
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
We Believe You. You Are Not Alone. You Have Choices.