Sexual Assault Care

Emergency Care for Sexual Assaults

Across University of Vermont Health, specially trained emergency department nurses provide skilled, compassionate care for adults and children who may have been sexually assaulted. Our approach prioritizes your comfort and privacy as you navigate medical care after a traumatic experience.

Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNE’s) are registered nurses with advanced training in a trauma-informed approach to medical forensic examinations of sexual assault victims. They are available 24 hours a day through our emergency department to provide confidential medical examinations in a secure, private, comfortable room.

Why Choose UVM Health for Sexual Assault Care?

As one of the leading emergency medicine programs in the region, we offer:

Specialized services: Our FNE nurses have specialty training in caring for victims of sexual assault. We treat patients of all ages, partnering with the pediatric team at Golisano Children’s Hospital at University of Vermont Health when children need our care.
Collaborative care: We coordinate with doctors, law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, advocates and crime victims service providers to get you the care and resources you need in a safe and supportive environment. We can help you connect with a counselor or therapist for follow-up mental health care at no additional cost.
Patient-centered approach: Your needs, comfort and preferences are our top priority. We work with you to decide what the next steps should be, whether or not you want to report the assault. Our goal is always for you to feel safe and in control.
Outreach and education: In addition to providing compassionate, expert medical care, our FNE nurses also research best practices and educate others in this important field. We participate in outreach events at local colleges and educate advocates and other health care professionals on our trauma-informed care approach.

Forensic Nurse Examiner Program Services

Our FNE nurses provide a range of services, including:

Careful evidence collection
Forensic examinations
Professional and knowledgeable testimony in court
Referrals for follow-up care
Treatment and counseling for concerns about pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV
Long-term follow up care and support. For patients in Vermont, FNE’s care for patients across the lifespan that have experienced harm. This includes sexual harm, interpersonal violence, elder/vulnerable person abuse, strangulation and child abuse.

One of the primary goals of a FNE nurse is to perform a medical forensic exam. The exam consists of:

An interview where we discuss care options and gather details of the assault
A physical exam to identify any injuries and collect evidence
Follow-up and treatment of any injuries or medical needs

Patient Resources

Steps to End Domestic Violence: Local resource, hotline, chatline, shelter and advocacy group to support and protect people from domestic violence.
Hope Works: Local organization committed to ending sexual violence through healing, outreach, prevention and empowerment.
Vermont Forensic Nursing Program: Training program for health care workers to treat patients who have experienced sexual or domestic violence.
Sexual Assault Services of Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York: Offers counseling, education and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault in Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties.