In the Moments That Matter Most

Lizzy the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).

When a child discloses sexual abuse, time feels different. 

Caregivers move quickly, and their minds race, “what do I do now?” 

Children ask quiet questions, “what will happen next?” 

Everyone wonders. Time stops. 

In those first hours, the response matters. Answers are needed. 

A few years ago, a young survivor in our community bravely reported abuse. Their family wanted to do everything right to seek care, to protect their child, to move forward. 

But at that time, there was no local access to a pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) in Elkhart County. The only option for a specialized exam was to travel outside the county. 

That was not the news the family expected. 

It meant more time. More stress. More wondering. 

In the end, they decided not to pursue the medical forensic exam. 

And that moment revealed something important. 

SANE services are not just another step in a process. They are often the connection between healing and justice. 

A SANE is a specially trained nurse who provides medical care after a sexual assault or in cases of suspected sexual abuse. SANEs are trauma-informed, meaning they understand how trauma can shape the way a child thinks, feels, or responds. They move slowly. Gently. At a child’s pace. 

Despite how the words “forensic exam” may sound, the time is not meant to be scary. Nothing is rushed. Nothing is forced. A child may choose to have a safe adult in the room or choose privacy. The priority is always the child’s health and safety. 

And it is important to say this clearly: 

Even when time has passed, an exam can still matter. 

Children often disclose abuse days, weeks, even months later. Delayed disclosure is common. Fear, confusion, loyalty, or uncertainty can keep a child silent at first. 

A medical forensic exam is not only about evidence. It is about health and well-being. 

Even if evidence cannot be collected, a trauma-informed SANE can offer reassurance, provide treatment, and connect families to support.  

This care reduces additional trauma, strengthens coordination between medical providers and investigators, and it ensures children are met by professionals trained specifically for this moment. 

For years, families in Elkhart County did not have local pediatric SANE access within the county. In some of the hardest moments of their lives, they faced added travel and coordination when what they needed most was steadiness. 

Throughout that time, medical providers, advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, and hospital partners including St. Joseph Regional Medical Center worked together to support children and families. The commitment has always been here. 

Now, access has expanded. 

Through CAPS, in partnership with Maple City Health Care Center and in continued collaboration with multidisciplinary partners across the county, pediatric SANE services are available locally in Elkhart County. Now, children can receive compassionate care close to home.

When a child speaks up whether immediately or long after the harm occurred the response should be compassionate, coordinated, and close to home.  

And now it is.