Strengthening Hawaii’s Response to Victims of Sexual Assault

The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General’s application for Strengthening Hawaii’s Response to Victims of Sexual Assault is to retain, recruit, and train Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) /Sexual Assault Forensic (SAFE) Examiners.  SANE/SAFE ensure that physical evidence is collected and preserved, and related medical concerns are addressed. There are approximately 31 SANE/SAFE statewide; at least 17 (54%) more are needed.  A SANE is a registered (or advanced practice) nurse, preferably with two years or more experience; a SAFE is a trained physician.  It is difficult in this State, as well as on the mainland, to find qualified candidates who are willing to complete the sexual assault examination training needed to be a SANE/SAFE and to assist with 24/7 coverage. The federal funding will be used to increase the availability of SANE/SAFE in all four counties and to develop county-specific SANE/SAFE sustainability plans.  This will ensure that all sexual assault survivors will be provided timely, comprehensive, quality services, regardless of where they reside in Hawaii.