Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program

If you are or have been a victim of sexual or domestic violence and want support and a possible forensic examination: Please go to the Emergency Department at one of our five designated hospitals and ask for the SANE nurse.

You do not have to explain the reason for your hospital visit; just ask to see the SANE nurse.

You are NOT required to report the assault to police to receive the services of a SANE nurse.

No police officer is present during the forensic examination.

The SANE program will provide you with many options. With your consent, the SANE nurse will:

  • Ask you questions about the assault.
  • Perform a physical examination to check for any injuries.
  • Conduct screening tests to identify any concerns about sexually-transmitted or blood-borne infections (STBBIs).
  • Examine and provide you with medical treatment,  and possibly offer medication to prevent a  pregnancy (if appropriate) and/or STBBIs.
  • Refer you to specialized services if needed.
  • Offer to collect samples for forensic purposes. Samples may be submitted to the police OR be kept for six months if you do not wish to report the assault immediately.

You may refuse certain parts of the examination and change your mind at any time.

You are the one who decides how to proceed.

The SANE nurse will respect and support your choices.

How to access this service

  • Please go to the Emergency Department at one of our designated hospitals (listed below) and ask to see the SANE nurse.

Who can receive SANE services?

  • Adults, adolescents and children of all genders who are victims of sexual violence
  • Adults and adolescents of all genders who are victims of domestic violence

SANE Program Objectives

  • Provide access to the care and specialized  services of a SANE nurse in a reasonable time frame and appropriate geographic location
  • Promote recovery and healing
  • Increase the conviction rate of perpetrators
  • Obtain quality DNA samples
  • Maximize the options available to victims/survivors
  • Ensure access to victim services
  • Increase public awareness about the importance of healthy relationships.

Location of services

Horizon Health Network

Vitalité Health Network

For more information

Contact the Provincial SANE Program Coordinator at:

506-869-2996

Horizon locations offering this service:

Facility Name Address Phone
Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (Fredericton) 700 Priestman St. , PO Box 9000, Fredericton, New Brunswick, E3B 3B7 506-452-5400

Facility Name Address Phone
Miramichi Regional Hospital 500 Water St., Miramichi, New Brunswick, E1V 3G5 506-623-3000

Facility Name Address Phone
The Moncton Hospital 135 MacBeath Ave., Moncton, New Brunswick, E1C 6Z8 506-857-5111

Facility Name Address Phone
Saint John Regional Hospital 400 University Ave., Saint John, New Brunswick, E2L 4L2 506-648-6000

Facility Name Address Phone
Upper River Valley Hospital (Waterville) 11300 Route 130, Waterville, New Brunswick, E7P 0A4 506-375-5900