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New TeleSAFE Toolkit Seeks to Improve Care for Victims of Sexual Assault


Medical forensic examinations are a critical part of any multidisciplinary response to sexual violence, yet many remote areas do not have access to this care.

The International Association of Forensic Nurses just released the Telehealth for Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations (TeleSAFE) Toolkit, which aims to improve and standardize care for victims of sexual violence via telehealth. Developed by IAFN through funding from OVC, this toolkit is designed for medical professionals and programs seeking to build a trauma-informed and patient-centered TeleSAFE program.

Six TeleSAFE demonstration projects—funded by OVC in 20122016, and 2019—have established TeleSAFE as a promising practice for sexual assault survivors. The TeleSAFE Toolkit draws insights from these pioneering projects to help shape the future of sexual assault survivor care. This comprehensive resource covers privacy, technology, training, policies and documentation, and more. And it includes sample materials and other resources to guide your efforts.

Get Started by Exploring the Toolkit

Date Published: October 31, 2024