Education for Equity: A Cultural Safety and Intersectionality Informed Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Curriculum

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-2026

Publisher

Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins

Source Publication

Journal of Forensic Nursing

Source ISSN

1939-3938

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000559

Abstract

Background

Current Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) education guidelines outline the minimum instruction needed for nurses to practice as SANEs. However, the same patients facing a higher prevalence of sexual violence are experiencing complex structural determinants of health, as well as ongoing stigma and discrimination in the health care setting. Therefore, SANE education should prepare nurses to care for survivors who disproportionately experience sexual violence.

Aim

To present our equity-focused SANE curriculum designed to build competencies for nurses caring for survivors disproportionately impacted by sexual violence.

Methods

Our SANE curriculum development was guided by cultural safety and intersectionality frameworks.

Conclusions

We believe our enhanced SANE curriculum has the potential to more effectively prepare nurses to fully care for all survivors, particularly those who disproportionately experience sexual violence. Implementation and long-term evaluation of patient care outcomes are warranted.

Comments

Journal of Forensic Nursing, Vol. 22, No. 2 (April-June 2026). DOI.

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