OVC FY 17 Using Telemedicine Technology to Enhance Access to Sexual Assault Forensic Exams Invitation to Apply

The purpose of this project is to create or expand a statewide telemedicine center for sexual assault medical forensic exams. The center will be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with highly trained, experienced SANEs or SAFEs licensed to practice in the state. The ultimate goal of the project is to improve the care for sexual assault victims and the delivery of sexual assault forensic exams at the state level through the use of telemedicine technology. Without access to trained, compassionate, and competent SANEs/SAFEs, sexual assault victims may not only experience additional trauma caused by the exam, but the evidence may be collected incorrectly or findings may be misinterpreted and ultimately impede the criminal investigation. Using trained SANEs/SAFEs offers the potential to increase law enforcement's ability to collect information, file charges, and refer to and increase prosecution rates over time.