SANE Nurses

A KARE 11 investigation discovers Minnesota has a shortage of sexual assault nurse examiners – called SANEs – specially trained to collect evidence in rape cases. SANE nurses complete rape kits for sexual assault survivors to test DNA. Forensic nursing also treats trauma experienced by rape victims. Impacts rural areas where rape survivors have long emergency room waits. Sexual assault victims who were drugged need immediate exams to test blood and urine for date rape drugs or alcohol. Evidence can be lost after long wait times and delays letting serial rapists go free. Illinois passed a 2018 law to fix problem. A bill in Congress would provide federal money for more SANE nursing. U.S. GAO studied six states, including Wisconsin.