Can Men Be Sexual Assault (SANE) Forensic Nurses?
>>Listen to “Can Men Be Sexual Assault (SANE) Forensic Nurses? (With Leah Helmbrecht and Shaun Johnson)”
Approximately 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse in their lifetime. Male sexual assault is a significant, but often overlooked issue, as discussed in a recent podcast episode. These numbers highlight the widespread nature of male sexual assault and it’s widespread impact on a substantial portion of the male population.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Leah Helmbrecht is an advocate for the victims she sees daily at work. She has spoken extensively on the Nurse Converse podcast about her work, how nurses can help victims of sexual assault, human trafficking awareness and more. However, one question that she is often asked is, “can men be Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners?” So, Leah invited Shaun Johnson, BSN, RN, ME-SAFE-A, SANE-A, MPHc, of The SANE Corner, who currently works as a SANE, to join her in a discussion. Shaun shares his nursing journey and why he became a SANE, challenges he faces as a cis heterosexual SANE, and advice for male nurses who are interested in this specialty.
The two Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) also discuss key information about male sexual assault and the misconceptions surrounding this under-reported crime including,
- The prevalence of sexual assault amongst the male population
- How nurses can help victims of sexual assault, both male and female
- Advice for reporting sexual assault
- Common misconceptions around sexual assault against males
Barriers to Reporting and Seeking Help After Assault
Despite its prevalence, male sexual assault remains vastly underreported. This underreporting can be attributed to various societal barriers, including stigma, entrenched gender norms, and misconceptions. The episode stressed that these factors significantly deter male survivors from disclosing their assaults and seeking the necessary support.
A significant barrier discussed in the podcast is the stigma surrounding masculinity. Society often expects men to embody strength, resilience, and self-sufficiency, traits that can clash with the vulnerability and trauma experienced by survivors of sexual assault. This societal expectation makes it challenging for male survivors to come forward and seek help, as they may fear being perceived as “weak or less masculine,” the hosts point out in the episode.
The episode also addressed prevalent misconceptions that contribute to the underreporting of male sexual assault cases.
- Male sexual assaults involve only male perpetrators: While this is true in some instances, it overlooks the reality that female perpetrators can also commit sexual assaults against males.
- Consent and Physiological Responses: There is a misconception that if a male victim experiences physical arousal during an assault, it implies consent or enjoyment. However, it’s essential to clarify that physiological responses, such as arousal, are involuntary and do not reflect the survivor’s willingness or desire. Educating the public and healthcare providers about these physiological responses is vital in combating victim-blaming and fostering a more empathetic response to male survivors.
Addressing these misconceptions is crucial in providing comprehensive support to all survivors, regardless of the gender of the perpetrator.
According to Nurse.org’s career guide titled, “How To Become a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)” nurses in this specialty have responsibilities that include triaging and treating sexual assault victims, performing forensic evaluations, and testifying in court. To become a SANE nurse, one must follow these steps:
- Become a Registered Nurse (RN): Earn an RN license by completing an accredited Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Gain Bedside Experience: Obtain at least two years of bedside experience in settings like hospitals, residential care facilities, or home health care.
- Take a Sexual Assault Examiner Class: Complete a class that includes 40 hours of classroom training and 40 hours of clinical work, as required by the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN).
- Earn Certification: Obtain SANE-A (adult) and/or SANE-P (pediatric) certification from the IAFN, meeting the eligibility requirements for both credentials.
To effectively address these challenges, there is an urgent need for increased awareness, support, and resources tailored to male survivors of sexual assault. Healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations must be equipped with the knowledge and sensitivity required to support male survivors effectively.
By breaking down barriers such as stigma, gender norms, and misconceptions, we can create a more supportive environment where male survivors feel empowered to seek help and report their assaults. It is through education, awareness, and advocacy that we can ensure all survivors receive the care and support they deserve, irrespective of gender. By challenging misconceptions and fostering understanding, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and empathetic response to male survivors of sexual assault.
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