Program Trains Nurses to Aid Domestic Violence Victims

Nearly one out of every four women and one out of ten men are a victim of some form of abuse.

And, according to Melissa Montgomery of Genesis Healthcare’s Women and Children’s Services, there is an increase in sexual assault and domestic violence within Muskingum County.

“We’d like to think we’re immune from some of the big city crimes like assault, rape, domestic violence, but unfortunately we’re not,” said Montgomery. “Domestic violence is on the rise as well as sexual assault and rape in our county. In response to that, Genesis has put together a program to take care of the special, unique needs of these patients.”

These startling numbers helped Genesis to jump start a new program for nurses call the SANE Program. SANE stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner training. Montgomery says the nurses go through 40 hours of classroom and courtroom education, as well as riding along with police officers.

She says the program has gone off to a great start.

“We have received a lot of positive feedback from the physicians and staff. These exams take a long period of time, often 3-5 hours, especially with and untrained physician or nurse,” she said. “They are grateful to the sane nurses because they’re experts.”

Twelve nurses are currently trained to be a SANE nurse. Montgomery says she hopes to add 6 more nurses as well as add more training focused in pediatric examination.

She says across the country, the SANE Program is quickly becoming a requirement for all hospitals.