During the medical forensic exam, what is a typical SANE activity?

• A. The SANE will gather evidence collection and document statements
• B. The SANE will ask the vic what happened and document statements
• C. The SANE will arrest the suspect during the exam
• D. The SANE will provide legal advice

Answer: (B)

During a medical-forensic exam, the SANE’s primary task is to gather the survivor’s account of the assault and document it carefully. Asking what happened and recording those statements creates an accurate, contemporaneous narrative that guides the medical assessment and becomes part of the evidentiary record, all while staying trauma-informed and survivor-centered. The SANE may also collect forensic evidence and maintain chain-of-custody, but documenting the survivor’s statements is the central activity in this context. Arresting someone and giving legal advice aren’t within the SANE’s role; the focus is on medical care, careful documentation, and supporting the patient through the reporting process.