SANE program for sexual assault victims expands to Sydney

Victims of sexual assault in Sydney, N.S., will have new treatment services available to them beginning Monday.

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, also known as SANE, is being expanded to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. It is being launched by the Every Woman's Centre.

"It's important to victims of sexual assault to know that their health and well-being will be supported ... that they will be believed and that they're treated with dignity and respect," said Louise Smith-MacDonald, centreco-ordinator.

Smith-MacDonald said she hopesthe availability of the SANE program willencourage more victims to seek help after an assault.

"It's about making sure that victims are treated and they learn that the program is something that they can trust."

Trained nurses on call 24/7

Twelve registered nurses will be on call 24/7 to assist anyone over the age of 13 who has experienced a recent sexual assault.

When victims go to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, one of the SANE nurses will be called.

While they wait, victims will be given a private, quiet room within the emergency department.

The SANE program is currently offered in Antigonish and the Strait and Port Hawkesbury areas.

Sexual assault nurse examinersare trained to collectevidence, a practice commonly called a rape kit exam. They are alsotrained on how to send victimson for further services to help them recover.

More choices

Smith-MacDonaldsaidthe program also gives victims the option to have any forensic evidence frozen, allowing them up to six months to lay charges.

"In our program, a victim won't have to make that decision immediately," she said. "Theycan decide during those six months whether to go forward with a charge or not."

Sexual assault victims can call the toll-free number 1-844-858-8036 and then be connected to a SANE program nurse.

"This is a community response to a horrendous issue that is gentler and takesinto account the victim more," said Smith-MacDonald.