The Value of a SANE Advocate
Beth Curley, BSN, RN, SANE-A
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program Coordinator
Before becoming a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), I had been drawn to the field for years. I knew I had a talent for comforting patients in difficult situations and that I could handle the painful stories I would hear. I imagined myself providing patient care while carefully collecting samples—fluid, hair, or debris—that might one day serve as evidence in court.
What I didn’t know, before coming to Resilience, was the presence and critical role of advocates. I hadn’t realized there would be a third person in the room during an exam—someone solely dedicated to focusing on the patient’s well-being. I didn’t know that an advocate, unlike a nurse, cannot be subpoenaed and therefore provides full, confidential support, walking alongside the patient as they navigate difficult decisions.
When I learned about the advocate’s role—especially that Resilience had prioritized advocacy for SANE patients to the extent of creating a specialized position, the Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate—I was delighted. That’s when I knew I was working for an agency that truly understood the impact an exam experience can have. Together, the Advocate and I refined our process, not only to ensure it ran smoothly but also to maximize opportunities to connect with the patient in a meaningful way.
Now, over three years in, I believe the most valuable part of the sexual assault exam is that very connection. Resilience’s philosophy of empowerment is embedded in the exam process itself. We focus on our patients’ health and safety, inform them of all available options, and make it clear that we will support whatever choices they make. When a patient leaves the exam suite, they feel believed, cared for, and assured that they’ve taken a positive step in their healing journey. Often, our Sexual Assault Survivor Advocate is the in-person support for the exam, meaning that if a patient returns for further services, they are welcomed by a familiar, trusted presence.
Does this mean I think the rest of the exam is unimportant? Absolutely not. But I do believe that, except in cases of life-threatening emergencies, the human need for connection must come first. I have seen countless patients arrive hesitant and unsure, only to find a sense of control and dignity after forming a connection with our advocate. It is in this supportive environment that recounting an assault, undergoing an intimate exam, and having one’s body treated as potential evidence causes the least harm possible.
As nurses, we treat injuries, document histories, and collect evidence. We care for our patients. But to do all of that at once, without an advocate’s support? We could, but it wouldn’t be done as well as it should be.
I am incredibly proud of the SANE Program we have built at Resilience. Though I wish there were no need for our work, I truly believe that the services we provide help survivors heal. The partnership between nurses and advocates leads to the best trauma-informed care possible. It is an honor and a privilege to do this work for our community.
Pictured: Beth Curley with Resilience Executive Director, Megan Hennessey, after receiving the 2024 Together We Can Agency Professional Award.
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Want to learn more about becoming a volunteer SANE Advocate? Visit www.ResilienceMI.org/Volunteer
