Jane Doe Rape Kit Act:

Meeting the Challenge

Objectives:

Gain a better understanding of the Violence Against Women Act thru Historical perspective Overview of evidence collection for “Jane Doe” Current legislative direction in Texas

Discuss the effects of VAWA and its recent changes Options for victims

Return to your communities and assist with implementing a plan of care to address these special needs patients.

Violence Against Women Act of 2005

Directed towards provision of services Education Crisis Services Funding for certain services Victims rights Military provisions Protocol for evidence collection

Violence & Trauma in Texas: 2006

120 persons lost their lives to domestic violence/ trauma

186,868 documented family violence events

16,968 children required emergency shelter (not counting those sent to other family members)

Sexual Assault Response Teams

Law enforcement Hospitals SANE’s Advocacy (Rape

Crisis) Prosecution Victims Assistance

Evolution of “Jane Doe”

Military Response Required training of

combined military forces

Use of SARC Restricted vs. Non-

Restricted reporting

“Anonymous Reporting”

Victim has the right to a medical forensic exam at NO cost to the victim.

They are not required to notify or cooperate with law enforcement.

Effects on the Emergency Department

Must have a written plan to provide for services

Patient does not have to be transferred if SANE is not available

Who will perform the forensic medical exam in the absence of a SANE?

Who will pay if law enforcement does not? How will the evidence (Kit and clothing) be

stored and monitored?

One plan shared

Williamson County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)

Began discussions in February 2008 Stakeholders represented different interests Team approached task with victims in mind December 2008: Protocol written and

approved January 16, 2009 first “Jane Doe” case

presented to local ED.

Lessoned learned

Importance of establishing common goal

Communication All stakeholders

hold equal vote Victim, patient,

survivor centered

Plan

Sexual assault algorithm Training for ED nurses and doctors Provision for caring for SA patients Involvement of Rape Crisis Center Dual registration

Medical record Forensic record

Cold storage with security measures Chain of custody Limitations on storage

Shared experience 45 days in

Many more victims than expected More likely to have exam with

evidence collection if they don’t have to report to LE.

Failure to report to LE leave nurse with the emotional responsibility

Law enforcement key component to successful closure.

In Closing

Carefully consider how these trauma victims will be managed

If you do not have a SANE program, insure that you are in Federal compliance

Failure to comply could cost Texas millions in STOP Grant funding.

Questions:

512-422-8502

vbarefoot@hotmail.com

Vangie Barefoot RN, BSN, CA-CP SANE, CEN, SANE-A, CFN, CMI-II