Survivor Story

When I underwent a rape exam eighteen years ago, there was no SANE available to me. Instead, I was examined by the emergency room physician who was as anxious as I was to get out of there. He was not gentle, compassionate, or understanding in his exam - I was just another patient. He completed the exam without uttering a word to me - he gathered evidence as required, as I cried uncontrollably, and left, ordering a valium for my hysteria and pain medication for the injuries I sustained during the attack. After having been raped and beaten, I felt degraded again during the exam, which was painful and humiliating. A SANE would have prevented that by offering me compassion, understanding, respect, and the ability to stop and breathe if I needed it. The training and commitment of SANE's assures that they will help the victim begin the healing process rather than feeling re-victimized. As difficult as a rape exam is, it's necessary for prosecution. However, it is unconscionable for victims to ever have to go through it without the expertise of a SANE performing it.
- Peggy Linial, 2'2004