OVW Fiscal Year 2025 Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Research Initiative

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The Sexual Assault Forensic Exam Research Initiative (SAFE Research Initiative) is authorized by 34 U.S.C. § 40723. The award recipient will design, conduct, and share with OVW research on the following: the availability of, and patient access to, trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and other providers who perform medical forensic exams (MFEs) or sexual assault forensic examinations; facilities where sexual assault medical forensic care is available, including staffing coverage; barriers to accessing sexual assault medical forensic care; state requirements, minimum standards, and protocols for SANEs; information about training available to SANEs; the availability of sexual assault victim advocates at locations where such exams are provided; the annual cost of conducting SAFEs; information on funding opportunities for SANE training and continuing education; and the availability of sexual assault advocates at locations providing SAFEs (see 34 U.S.C. § 40723(d)). The research collected will be used by OVW in a report to Congress, briefing materials, and a public webpage on OVW’s website.