Anyone can be a victim of sexual violence, regardless of age, race, or gender. Likewise, assailants can be anyone: strangers, friends, or family members.
Crimes involving sexual violence often lead to long-term negative consequences for the victim. In addition to any physical injuries from the assault, victims often suffer from emotional and psychological trauma that sexual violence introduces into their lives.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs and Sexual Assault Response Teams (SART) play a critical role in supporting sexual assault victims.
SANE programs train registered nurses to provide comprehensive health care to survivors of sexual assault leading to higher prosecution and conviction rates in sexual abuse cases. SART programs help communities provide a coordinated response for victims in what can often seem like a complicated maze of governmental and community agencies.
The following resources provide information on sexual abuse or violence.