Forensic Nursing Examination Program
Billings Clinic's Forensic Nursing Examination service provides a safe place for victims of sexual assault. Our specially trained forensic nurses, or Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) nurses, care for sexual assault victims with dignity, help them plan their next steps, and collect evidence for law enforcement if reporting their assault. A private room with a private bath and shower is located within the Emergency and Trauma Center for your care and safety.
Specially Trained Forensic Nurse Examiners Dedicated to the Patient
The forensic nursing exam is conducted by a specially trained forensic nurse who has completed more than 80 hours of specialized education. A forensic nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide care. Patients are taken directly to a private exam room and will not be required to wait in the general waiting area for their examination. There is no cost to the patient for these services.
Our focus is on providing confidential, expert forensic and medical care in a safe, respectful environment. All patients are treated with dignity and without judgment. We strive to ensure every patient leaves their exam feeling heard, supported, and validated—because what happened to them matters.
A trained advocate is available to support the patient throughout the process, offering comfort, assistance, and access to helpful resources.
It is normal for individuals to feel uncertain about seeking an exam or discussing an assault with a healthcare professional. Billings Clinic forensic nurses are here to provide guidance, answer questions, and support patients as they explore their options and make decisions that are right for them.
If you are uncertain about reporting the assault, forensic nurses can still provide a comprehensive medical exam to ensure your safety and well-being. Evidence may be collected and securely stored on your behalf should you choose to report the assault at a later time. The decision to report is entirely yours.
What to Do if You are Assaulted...
- Get to a safe place.
- Do not shower, bathe, wash your hands, brush your teeth, or use a toilet.
- Do not change, wash, or destroy clothing. If you have a paper bag, please bring clothing with you in that bag. Clothing is especially useful for evidence collection.
- Please do not delay in seeking medical attention. It is suggested that you receive care within five days if possible - the sooner the better.
- Regardless of where you are in this process, or whether you have followed the steps perfectly, you can still have an exam with or without evidence collection if wanted.
What to Expect from the Forensic Nursing Program
- The forensic nursing room is a private room with an attached bath, located within the Emergency and Trauma Center for patient safety and privacy. Following the exam, if the patient wishes, they may shower, and new clothing is available.
- The forensic nurse will assess and provide treatment options for any injuries. If the patient wishes to receive further care, a physician will be available but is not a requirement to get a forensic nursing exam.
- The adult patient does not have to file a police report at the time of the examination.
- Information and evidence gathered can be stored in a secure area for up to 75 years if the patient does not wish to file charges or make decisions at the time of the examination. The evidence will be held until the patient decides if they would like to report the crime.
- Evidence collection is part of the forensic process but is not the complete reason for the examination.
- The forensic nurse will help you take the first step towards regaining control of your life.
- The forensic nurse will provide sexually transmitted infection medication and/or pregnancy prophylaxis as needed, with the approval of the patient.
- The forensic nurse will collect medical-forensic evidence for potential prosecution. It is vital that this evidence be collected as soon as possible. Evidence begins to deteriorate when you continue everyday activities (eating, drinking, urinating, bathing, etc.).
- The patient is in control and may stop the exam at any time for any portion of the exam.
You are the survivor of a sexual assault, and you have the right to whatever medical treatment you need. Billings Clinic forensic nurses are here to help you when you are ready.
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