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- 17 - accessHealthNews.net October 2023 Volume 9 | Issue No. 75 S exual violence cannot be prevented through individual action; instead, societal perceptions of sexual assault, its survivors, and its perpetrators must be addressed. Public education and trauma-informed approaches to healing are necessary to make communities a safe space for survivors, whether they seek justice or simply support. Sexual Assault Exam Nurses, also referred to as SANE nurses, are in a unique position to serve as a bridge between trauma and recovery, helping support and validate survivors as they process their sexual assault. Jennifer Sonsiadek, MSN-FN, BSN, BA, RN, SANE-A, is the clinical forensic care manager for Saint Luke's Health System. Prior to her current role, she served the emergency department, where she encountered her first patient presenting as a sexual assault survivor. She located a dedicated forensic SANE nurse to assist the patient and watched in awe, inspired by the process and the trauma-informed care being provided. "I promised myself in that moment that being an ER nurse meant that I would be ready and available to receive whatever might come my way and be placed in one of my rooms under my care," she said. Since then, she underwent rigorous training through Saint Luke's, became certified as a SANE through the International Association of Forensic Nurses, and received both her Bachelor of Science and Nursing and Master of Science and Nursing with a specialization in Nursing. Currently, she is midway through her doctorate program for Doctor and Nursing Practice. Through her robust career serving sexual assault survivors, Sonsiadek is able to offer an expert perspective on how to support survivors at all levels and what steps communities can take to improve outcomes for survivors. Sexual assault is a sensitive, traumatizing, and often misunderstood subject, creating a myriad of concerns for those seeking support. Understanding the experiences and challenges survivors face can combat these concerns by addressing misconceptions and broadening awareness of available treatment options and resources. Immediate Aftermath According to the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), sexual assault refers to sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. This includes, but is not limited to: attempted rape, fondling or unwanted sexual touching, forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, or penetration of the victim's body – known as rape. Rape is a form of sexual assault, but not all sexual assault involves penetration. Perpetrators of sexual assault may use direct physical force, psychological force, emotional coercion, or manipulation to coerce a victim into a sexual act. Approximately eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a partner, date, classmate, neighbor, acquaintance, or family member. Sexual assault committed by a stranger may occur through a variety of ways, including: • Blitz sexual assault: when a perpetrator quickly and brutally assaults the victim with no prior contact. • Contact sexual assault: when a perpetrator contacts the victim and gains their trust prior to coercing them into a situation where sexual assault will occur. • Home invasion sexual assault: when a stranger breaks into the victim's home to commit the assault. Approximately eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, such as a partner, date, classmate, neighbor, acquaintance, or family member. - Dr. Charmain Jackman READ MORE