How do I Decipher the Maze of Forensic Sexual Assault Examiner Acronyms?
Programs designed to instruct medical personnel with the fundamentals of the forensic examination of a victim of sexual assault were first offered in 1976, and typically consisted of forty hours of academic instruction followed by specified hours of hands-on clinical practice. Subsequently, these pilot programs became structured to provide both physicians and licensed nurses with instruction on the comprehensive care of, and forensic evidence collection from, sexual assault victims. This led to the professional recognition of those completing such courses as SAFE, Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner, SANE, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, FNE, Forensic Nurse Examiner, SANC, Sexual Assault Nurse Clinician, and currently SAE, Sexual Assault Examiner. Other than their acronyms, the courses offered by each are essentially similar.
