WCHS Now Offers SANE Services
June 2, 2025
Winnebago, NE – Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) is now offering Sexual Assault and domestic violence exams to victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. This new Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner/Domestic Violence (SANE/DV) program means that there will be nurses available 24/7 with specialized training to provide trauma informed comprehensive care to victims.
In 2016, a study by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) reported that 56.1% of Indian American and Alaska Native women experience sexual assault in their lifetime, and 84.3% experience violence in some form. Native American people face domestic violence at a rate 2.5x higher than any other group.
“I am proud to say that we are one of a few tribally owned hospitals in the region with SANE/DV training. Providing qualified care to sexual assault/domestic violence survivors to empower them with all the options to move forward is critical,” states Dr. Kini, Chief Medical Officer.
WCHS has nurses specially trained by the International Association for Forensic Nursing (IAFN) to serve each specific sexual assault/domestic violence incident compassionately, thoroughly, and in a timely manner. The IAFN training is 40 hours of in-person and 40 hours of on-the-job, topics include: education on the SANE exam, domestic violence, and strangulation. SANE training ensures that WCHS’s nursing staff is equipped to provide trauma-informed care while also maintaining an accurate chain of custody. SANE trained nurses are able to conduct forensic exams and may provide expert testimony if a case goes to trial.
“This training ensures that our nurses can provide compassionate and culturally sensitive survivor centered care to every patient that walks through our doors. I am grateful for the team for putting in the extra effort to learn these important steps, I am grateful to WCHS’s leadership for prioritizing the SANE/DV program in Winnebago, and I am grateful to our patients for trusting us with their care,” expresses Sara Mcintosh, Chief Nursing Officer.
The SANE/DV nurses will be partnering with the Domestic Violence Program. For help with attaining support services WCHS’s Domestic Violence Program is available to help 24/7. They provide safe shelters and support for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault survivors and their children who are removing themselves from a dangerous situation. Support services include on-site housing, transitional housing, financial assistance, support groups and intervention/prevention education. Call the Domestic Violence Office for help at 402-745-3959.