Project Title

Training Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) and Patient Advocates to Improve Utilization of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission (ACVCC) Program for Sexual Assault Victims

Author

Erica StarlingFollow

Date of Award

Summer 2022

Document Type

Final DNP Paper

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Department

Nursing

Faculty Chair

Laura Walker

Abstract

Background: Sexual assault is a nationwide problem that often goes unreported. According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. One out of every six women has been a victim of sexual assault in their lifetime. Sexual violence has long-term effects on victims including post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal ideations and/or attempted suicide, substance use disorder, work and/or family life struggles, unplanned pregnancy, and/or sexually transmitted infections (STI).

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to improve the utilization of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission Program (ACVCC) for victims of sexual assault.

Methods: The quality improvement project consisted of a didactic program offered to all nurses and patient advocates providing instruction on the proper application and utilization of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission Program. The utilization of the ACVCC program was evaluated through use of pre- and post-education surveys.

Results: There were 19 individuals educated. Prior to the educational session, the ACVCC program was not utilized by the staff of the sexual assault clinic. After the educational session, all advocates and nurses began using this program to aid victims of sexual assault. The advocates and nurses began incorporating the application process into their sexual assault examinations at a 100% utilization rate.

Conclusion: The ACVCC program is an invaluable resource that was not utilized by the clinic. After educating the staff, the program was integrated into the use for the advocates and nurses who assist with victims of sexual assault.

Recommended Citation

Starling, Erica, "Training Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) and Patient Advocates to Improve Utilization of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Commission (ACVCC) Program for Sexual Assault Victims" (2022). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 53.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/53