Addressing Sexual Violence in the Emergency Department A Guide for Healthcare Provider-Addressing Sexual Violence in the Emergency Department A Guide for Healthcare Provider -Video

Addressing Sexual Violence in the Emergency Department A Guide for Healthcare Provider -Video

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this AANP webinar, nurse practitioner and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Beth McCord discusses care for sexual assault victims in emergency departments, highlighting her decade of ER experience. She emphasizes the importance of proper medical forensic exams, including strangulation assessments often overlooked despite their association with sexual assault and trafficking. Victims should never be turned away; all patients receive medical screening, and registered nurses can perform forensic exams. McCord stresses patient education, clarifying misconceptions about evidence collection and testing procedures. Testing protocols include baseline STI labs and prophylactic treatment, with differences in approach between adults, adolescents, and children.<br /><br />She underscores trauma-informed care, focusing on safety and dignity without pressuring victims to report to law enforcement, which varies by state. Strangulation, a critical but often missed injury, can cause serious complications like carotid artery dissection, requiring prompt imaging and follow-up. McCord debunks myths about the hymen and virginity, clarifying anatomy and injury patterns. She details consent laws, forensic exam timeframes (up to 120 hours for adults), and variations in pediatric exams. Lastly, she answers questions on interstate SANE practice and handling exams when assaults occur in another state, stressing proper jurisdictional coordination. The session promotes compassionate, evidence-based care for sexual assault victims in emergency settings.

Keywords

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner

Emergency Department Care

Forensic Medical Exams

Strangulation Assessment

Trauma-Informed Care

STI Testing and Prophylaxis

Consent and Jurisdiction Laws

Pediatric and Adult Forensic Exams