The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care in Sexual Assault Response

Rachel Henderson talks with Jocelyn Maminta and thoughtfully explains how the SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner) program provides a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to conducting medical forensic exams for sexual assault survivors.

The conversation highlights the importance of the SAFE program in bridging healthcare and legal systems to support survivors, discussing how forensic nurses are trained, the challenges they face, and their impact in empowering survivors through choice and support. The episode also underscores the critical services provided by the Connecticut Judicial Branch Office of Victim Services, offering extensive support and resources for victims throughout their healing and legal journey.

• Explanation of SAFE program

• Integration of law enforcement and healthcare systems

• Male nurses' challenges and patient comfort considerations

• Core of empathetic care

• Meeting patients where they are emotionally

• Empowering patient rights and choices

• Building rapport and collaboration with advocacy groups

• Role of forensic nurses in courtrooms and legal processes

• Noticing a gap in staff confidence for assault cases

• Effects of compassionate care on patient behavior