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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Forensic Healthcare

Programs and Initiatives

Sexual Assault Examiner Program

The Sexual Assault Examiner (SAE) Program provides technical assistance and support to SAEs, Indian Health Service (IHS) and Tribal hospitals, clinics, and health stations. SAEs are primarily registered nurses and advanced practice nurses, but also includes physicians and physician assistants, with specialized training and clinical experience in providing medical forensic examinations of sexual assault victims. SAEs are part of a coordinated response to sexual assault and therefore often work closely with law enforcement officers, forensic lab staff, child protective services, prosecutors, and sexual assault advocates and crisis programs. For information or technical assistance, please contact the Forensic Healthcare staff.

SAE Technical Assistance

Our IHS Forensic Nurse Consultant and Forensic Nurse Coordinator are available to provide technical assistance to SAEs, IHS, and Tribal health care facilities. For assistance, please contact the Forensic Healthcare staff.

AI/AN SANE-SART Initiative

The IHS and the Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime entered into a partnership involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of the Interior to develop the American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) SANE-SART Initiative. The purpose of the AI/AN SANE-SART Initiative is to address the needs of sexual assault victims in Indian Country, with the ultimate goal of institutionalizing sustainable and evidence-based practices that meet the needs of Tribal communities. To learn more, visit the AI/AN SANE-SART website Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov .