Health & Wellness
Sexual Assault Victims in Union County No Longer Required to Travel for Forensic Exams
July 23, 2025 – Memorial Hospital has established a new Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, providing a vital service for survivors of sexual assault in Union County. With support from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, local law enforcement, and victim advocates with the Union County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), the hospital now offers 24/7 access to specially trained nurses that perform forensic medical exams and provide trauma-informed care.
In recent years, the absence of a functioning SANE program forced many victims to seek care in surrounding counties – delaying essential medical attention and discouraging some from reporting the assault. Recognizing this serious gap, the hospital team along with the Prosecutor’s Office helped coordinate efforts between victim advocates and law enforcement to launch this vital program.
According to Leigh Anne Germani, MSN, RN, and Director of the Emergency Department (ED) at Memorial, “The mission of the SANE program is to provide timely, compassionate, and expert forensic care to patients who have experienced sexual assault and seek care at our ED. All SANE-certified nurses at Memorial have completed the 40-hour didactic training approved by the Forensic Nursing Network (FNN). Additionally, they have undergone advanced forensic and trauma training to collect evidence, offer emotional support, and ensure victims’ rights are protected from the very first point of contact. Our team stands ready to deliver this critical, round-the clock service to our community.”
“Having a local SANE program means victims no longer face the added trauma of traveling out of county to receive an exam,” said Union County Prosecutor David Phillips. “We are grateful to Memorial Hospital for their leadership and to all our partners who worked together to make this possible. This is a win for victims, for law enforcement, and for justice.”
Sheriff Mike Justice emphasized the importance, sharing, “The formation of the SANE program ensures that victims of sexual assault receive prompt, professional care right here in Union County. Our deputies are often first on scene and knowing there is a trained team available locally gives us confidence that victims will be treated with dignity and that justice can begin without delay.”
Marysville Police Chief Tony Brooks also praised the partnership, “This is a vital service for our community. When a victim walks through our doors, it’s our job to ensure they are supported and believed. Having a local SANE team removes a major barrier and strengthens our ability to respond effectively and humanely.”
Victim advocates with the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) played a crucial role in supporting survivors during the program’s absence and were instrumental in facilitating the collaboration that led to its reinstatement. These advocates continue to ensure that victims receive immediate, coordinated support from the moment they come forward.
Christina Jones, a SART member and Director for Sexual Assault and Victims Services (SAVS) at HelpLine, shares, “It is critically important to reduce barriers that hinder sexual assault survivors from seeking help and receiving resources to assist them in their healing journey. It takes all of us working together to provide the necessary support and tools to intervene during a survivor’s time of crisis and offer help, hope, and healing.”
“Forensic Nursing Network (FNN) is proud to provide education to support people who have been victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, and domestic violence,” adds Laura Kaiser, FNN Executive Director. “The level of support demonstrated by Memorial Hospital’s senior management, physicians, and the newly established Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner team shows their dedication to providing essential patient care and needed community resources to Union County. As a resident of Marysville, I take comfort in knowing these resources will provide a safer community.”
In closing, Phillips comments, “This is more than just a program. It’s a commitment by our entire community that victims will be heard, supported, and given every resource needed to pursue justice and healing.”
For more information about the SANE program at Memorial Hospital, or for patients who may not be sure if they should come to the hospital, please contact the Emergency Department at (937) 578-4025 and speak with someone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Survivors of sexual assault can contact HelpLine at 1-800-684-2324, text “helpline” to 898211, or contact the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Victims of Crime Assistance Program at (937) 645-4160 for additional resources and support.
