Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2020
Abstract
Only within the last decade has data and statistics on male sexual assault victimization come into the literature. It is a common misconception that men cannot be sexually assaulted, however RAINN (2020) has given statistical data to contradict this assumption. The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network [RAINN] (2020) statistics show that nearly 10% of males have been victims of sexual assault (this includes rape and attempted rape), but only 3% of male victims report this crime. These crimes are not reported for the following reasons: fear, shame, guilt, or the possibility of being further victimized (The National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2020) First, this scholarly project indulges into the prevalence of male sexual assault victimization, as well as providing education for those who have previously been victimized. It must be known to potential male sexual assault victims that he is not safe from victimization, and if victimized, that he becomes knowledgeable on community resources available to him for further support. Second, this scholarly project examines the role of the male sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) and any advantages and disadvantages that accompany the position. Four current male SANEs were contacted and interviewed about their experiences as a SANE. Three of the interviewees have obtained SANE-A (adult) certification, while one has received his SANE-P (pediatric). All four of these SANEs mention the negative societal stigma of a male SANE performing the sexual assault examination. However, each of these men have been able to overcome this stigma and have been successful in his position. For each, establishing the nurse to patient relationship at the start of the examination has led to numerous successful examinations. The results of this scholarly project suggest that there is no difference between the knowledge and skillset between a male and female SANE. By recognizing that victims may be experiencing trauma secondary to the event, the SANE has the ability and obligation to perform the following tasks: 1) ensure the overall health and well-being of the victim, 2) ensure that the victim understands the reasoning for each intervention, 3) provide the victim with education on follow-up care and other community resources available, and 4) collect and preserve any evidence that is found during the sexual assault examination.
References
Eisert, P. (2010). SANE-A – The male perspective. On The Edge, 16(3), 1 – 8.
Lee, J., Willis, L., Newman, D., Hazan, A., Kurobe, A., Giordano, L., Kaafarani, H., Laidlaw, C., & Shah, K. (2015). Are sexual assault victims presenting to the emergency department in a timely manner? Social Work, 60(1), 29 – 33.
Masho, S. & Alvanzo, A. (2010). Help seeking behaviors of men sexual assault survivors. The American Journal of Men’s Health, 4(3), 237 – 242. Retrieved from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1557988309336365
National Sexual Violence Resource Center [NSVRC]. (2020). Retrieved from www.nsvrc.org
Office of Justice Programs. (2020). SANE program development and operation guide: Building a theoretical framework for SANE practice. Retrieved from: https://www.ovcttac.gov/saneguide/introduction/building-a-theoretical-framework-for-sane-practice/
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network [RAINN]. (2020). Retrieved from: www.rainn.org
Tewksbury, R. (2007). Effects of sexual assaults on men: physical, mental, and sexual consequences. International Journal of Men’s Health, 6(1), 22 – 35. doi: 10.3149/jmh.0601.22.
