How can I become a
SAFE?
A SAFE can be a Registered
Nurse or a physician. For RNs, it is recommended that they have
at least two years of experience. Many SAFEs have emergency
department or obstetric and gynecological training, but that
is not a requirement.
Currently, there
is no state or national certification process to become a SAFE.
However, the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN)
is now offering certification testing. The specialized education
usually consists of 40 hours of classroom work. Most courses
recommend a number of additional clinical hours of training
and other observation and experience. Courses are offered in
many areas of the country. To find out where courses are held,
contact the (IAFN) at 856-256-2425 or call PCAR's Medical Advocacy
Coordinator at 800-692-7445 ext. 32.
What is a SART?
In order for victims
to receive optimum care after a sexual assault, a SAFE should
function as part of a team. Such a team is called a SART or
sexual assault response team. A SART is a multidisciplinary
team, which works collaboratively to provide specialized services
for victims of sexual assault.
The team includes
at a minimum, a medical director, a sexual assault forensic
examiner, a sexual assault counselor/advocate, a law enforcement
representative and a prosecutor. Other members of the community
can be a part of the team. The team should be designed to meet
the unique needs of each community. Each team member has a specific
role.
What is the role of
each SART member?
SAFE/Healthcare
-
When informed of
a victim who needs a forensic exam, the SAFE on call arrives
at the exam site as quickly as possible, joining law enforcement
and a sexual assault counselor/advocate. The SAFE is part of
the healthcare community. A medical director/physician is available
to assist SAFEs in the event that a medical emergency arises.
A hospital administrator may also be involved with the team
to ensure that the SAFE program gets the support it needs.
Sexual
Assault Counselor/Advocate -
The sexual assault
counselor/advocate is available to provide support, assistance
and information to the sexual assault victim. With the victim's
permission, the counselor/advocate is present during the interview
and the exam. Counselor/advocates provide information to the
victim about counseling services and accompaniment for follow-up
medical and court appointments. In Pennsylvania, all communication
between victims and counselor/advocates is considered confidential
and is not to be shared by the counselor/advocate to any party.
This confidentiality is protected under statute 42 PA CSA §
5945.1.
The sexual assault
counselor/advocate links the SART members together to make the
process easier for the victim. The counselor/advocate helps
the victim get the necessary care and information from each
of the other team member representatives: healthcare, law enforcement
and the district attorney's office.
Law
Enforcement -
The law enforcement
officer responds to the crime, interviews the victim (in conjunction
with the SAFE whenever possible) and investigates the sexual
assault. The SAFE gives the completed and sealed forensic evidence
collection kit to the police officer to maintain the chain of
evidence. When necessary, the evidence from the sexual assault
will be processed for DNA to link a perpetrator to the crime.
Prosecutor/District
Attorney's Office -
During the course
of the sexual assault investigation, the prosecutor from the
district attorney's office will work with law enforcement officers
to gather evidence and determine whether there is sufficient
cause to arrest a suspect for the sexual assault. The primary
responsibility of the district attorney's office is to prosecute
criminal charges based on the evidence and to hold the defendant
accountable. By working as a team, the police, sexual assault
counselor/advocate, prosecutor and SAFE ensure accountability
and can best serve the needs of the victim and the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
