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In the Fall 2000 volume 2 Issue 2
of the Cultural Connection we
examined a case of a young
Pakistani woman and her
reluctance to formalize a
complaint of rape against her
husband's friend.
Here is the conclusion to that
case study:
Fortunately Safiya lives in a small
metropolitan area where there is
a new Safe Center for victims of
sexual assault. This new Safe
Center means that she does not
have to present to her local
hospital emergency department,
nor does she have to go to the
police headquarters to make a
report. Her nurse-midwife had just
recently completed training as a
SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse
Examiner) and was familiar with
the Center, its amenities and
policies. She also knew and
explained to Safiya that there is a
72 hour window in which forensic
evidence needs to be collected.
Because Safiya was uncertain
she could bring charges of rape
to the police, it was a relief to her
to know that she did not
immediately have to speak to
them, but instead could have the
evidence collected and weigh her
options. In her situation, as in
many cultures, speaking to the
authorities is a very bold step, as
the police are viewed as
adversaries. Getting to the point
of speaking with an officer may
take time, patience and no little
education.
When Safiya arrived at the Safe
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Center with her friend, Maya, she
was asked if she would like
another interpreter or if she was
comfortable with her friend being
her interpreter and staying with
her throughout the exam. She
chose Maya as Maya was already
familiar with what was going on
with her. The SANE explained
each and every action that would
be taking place. She used pictures
to explain anatomy. She showed
Safiya the instruments and
technology that would be used.
She gave her the opportunity to
ask questions and become
familiar with her surroundings.
She did not rush her at any time.
The SANE, once Safiya felt safe in
her surroundings, completed the
following tasks:
Elicited a thorough and sensitive history utilizing the interpreter
Conducted a head to toe assessment, looking for trauma and mapping findings on an anatomical diagram (interpreter can be placed behind a curtain for this part)
Conducted a genital exam as well as a pelvic exam using colposcopy (interpreter can be placed behind a curtain for this part)
Photographed all injuries
Collected specimens for forensic evidence according to agency protocols packaging all evidence maintaining unbroken chain of custody
Processed the forensic evidence kit
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By Donna Morgan, CNM, MSN
Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nurse/CNEP
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