SANE
LSU Student Health Center‘s sexual assault support/medical services are available Monday thru Friday 8 am - 5 pm. The LSU Student Health Center partners with the East Baton Rouge Coroner’s Office to offer evidence collection by a specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). If you need support services or an evidence collection kit completed after hours or on the weekend, please contact STAR (Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response) at 225-383-RAPE or your local police department.
What is the SANE program?
SANE stands for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. The SANE program allows survivors of sexual trauma to have a forensic exam or “sexual assault evidence collection kit” collected by a SANE. A SANE is specially trained in collecting evidence and working with survivors of sexual assault.
What is the mission of the SANE program?
The primary mission of the SANE program is to meet the needs of a sexual assault survivor by providing immediate, compassionate, culturally-sensitive and comprehensive forensic evaluation and treatment by a professional nurse trained in the parameters of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners standards.
Is there a cost to receive services from SANE?
There is no cost to receive services from the SANE program. Medical screening (STI testing, pregnancy test, etc.) and treatment (antibiotics) are provided at no cost to LSU students.
Does the SANE work with a Lighthouse Advocate?
The SANE will refer LSU student survivors to a Lighthouse Advocate from the Student
Health Center. Lighthouse Advocates are specially trained University personnel who
provide confidential guidance and support to LSU students who have directly experienced
interpersonal violence. They provide options for recovery including assistance with
filing a police report, getting medical care, navigating the University accountability
process, relocating their residence, obtaining academic assistance/accommodations,
and accessing other services and resources.
What information is collected by a Lighthouse Advocate?
Lighthouse Advocates will complete an anonymous report for every incident reported to them. Only demographic information is collected, as required by federal law under The Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act/Clery Act.
How many days can evidence be collected?
Evidence can be collected by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) following a sexual assault up to four days after the assault has occurred. To preserve evidence, avoid bathing, douching, or changing your clothes.
What if I need a SANE after hours?
For care after hours you can receive services from a SANE or physician at a local hospital. A hospital advocate from STAR (383-RAPE) will provide hospital accompaniment and support to you through the exam. To preserve evidence, avoid bathing, douching, or changing your clothes.
Do I have to report the crime to receive services?
You are not required to report the crime in order to receive services. If you choose to report the crime to law enforcement, a report will be taken at the time of the exam. If you are uncertain about reporting the crime, evidence can be collected and preserved for at least a year should you decide to report the crime and/or prosecute at a later date.
Do I have to report to LSUPD?
You have the option of filing a police report with LSUPD if the assault occurred on campus. Assaults that occur off campus can be reported to the police department serving the area where the assault occurred. Even though police logs are public records, your name can be withheld to maintain your privacy.
How can the LSU Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability help?
If the perpetrator of the assault is a LSU student, you have the option of filing a complaint with the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability for violation of the University Sexual Misconduct Policy so they can offer support services and begin a Title IX investigation. It helps to have already filed a report with the police, but it is not absolutely necessary. The University cannot move forward with an investigation without an official complaint on file. Although they will try to keep information private, this is not a confidential reporting option.
Who can I talk to for more information about the SANE and Lighthouse Advocate program?
You may contact Susan Bareis, Assistant Director of Wellness at the Student Health Center at 225-578-6521 or sbareis@lsu.edu.