Case Study & Questions

The SANE talks to the triage nurse who debriefs her on Maya, saying that Maya had come earlier this month with bruises and scrapes, claiming that she was just clumsy and had fallen down the stairs. The triage nurse continues, telling the SANE about their conversation as well as the bruises that were healing at different stages. The SANE makes note of this, and proceeds to Maya’s room. 

The SANE introduces herself to Maya, saying that she is a nurse that is specially trained to help those that have been assaulted. She tells Maya that whatever conversation they have will be kept confidential between her and the team caring for her. Seeing that Maya is still quiet, the SANE reassures Maya that she is here to support her in whatever way is comfortable for her and that she wouldn’t have to do anything she doesn’t want to; Maya nods her head. The SANE then asks Maya if she has any questions; Maya shakes her head. 

The SANE then discusses what she can offer Maya right now: medical care only, medical care and a forensic exam to report to authorities, or medical care and a forensic exam with evidence being securely stored for up to one year. Maya asks what a forensic exam would include. The SANE explains that the forensic exam includes a collection of clothes, a head to toe visual exam, photos of the injury, and swabs and samples that can be stored for up to a year if you choose not to go to the police immediately. The SANE further reasseres Maya that everything she does will be done at her pace in terms of what she feels comfortable with. 

After hearing the description from the SANE nurse, Maya felt reassured and agreed to receive medical care and have the forensic exam done- but wasn’t sure if she wanted to go to the police just yet. Before starting, the SANE shows Maya the supplies and equipment she will be using, describing the purpose of each one and how she uses them; she also lets Maya touch them herself. The SANE also describes the preservation process of the collected evidence

Maya felt safe with the SANE- she was careful and gentle, asking for permission every time she touched Maya. Sensing that Maya was feeling more comfortable, the SANE asks Maya if she could share what happened, as it would help with the forensic examination as well. Maya agrees and tells the SANE the details of the assault. 

Maya shares that her uncle that recently started living with her family had always been very touchy, and that 5 months ago he started sexually assaulting her; he became more aggressive after moving here. She mentioned how she had gone to the emergency department in her old town, but she felt discouraged to open up to anyone because she felt that no one would take her case seriously. Maya then recalls a story she heard of someone who was sexually abused as a child and when they went to the police about it and they opened a case, it was eventually recanted due to lack of evidence/poor preservation of evidence. 

This was the hardest part of the SANE’s job- listening to the patient’s stories. Even though the SANE had heard multiple stories like this and had met victims of all ages, hearing the patient’s trauma never gets any easier. The SANE always had to compartmentalise what she was feeling for the sake of her patients and it took a toll on the SANE as well. 

After Maya mentions her story, the SANE thanks Maya for being so brave and opening up to her. The SANE continues to reassure Maya as she completes the forensic exam, telling her that she is here to support her and that she doesn’t have to be alone. The SANE offers Maya places to stay, such as the hospital and a nearby women’s shelter. 

A few months have passed, and Maya’s case is now in session at court; the SANE is also there to testify. When called up to the stand, the SANE mentions details from Maya’s forensic exam and her encounter with Maya. Maya was grateful for the SANE’s presence at the court- it gave her strength and reassurance throughout the whole case. Finally, a few weeks later, with the help of the SANE’s contributions and testimony, Maya’s assailant is charged for his crimes, and Maya gets the justice she deserves.