Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sexual Assault Service Provider (SASPs) programs?
Sexual Assault Service Provider Programs provide support for survivors of sexual assault and their families regardless of when the assault occurred. Services are no cost, confidential, and include advocacy, legal advocacy, counseling, and more. Programs can also provide or connect survivors with housing, transportation, financial compensation, and other resources.
To learn more or to get involved, find your local program or call the NM Sexual Assault Helpline (1-844-667-2457)
What are Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs?
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs provide medical/forensic exams for individuals who have been sexually assaulted. SANE services can include a physical assessment, emergency contraception, injury documentation, forensic photography, and evidence collection up to five days after the sexual assault. SANE Programs also offer medication for sexually transmitted infections (STI) up to 30 days after the assault.
Services are available 24 hours a day, provided at no cost, and are confidential. No ID is required. Individuals can receive a SANE exam without filing a police report.
For more information, find your local SANE program or call the NM Sexual Assault Helpline (1-844-667-2457)
What are Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs)?
Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) are child-focused, trauma-informed facilities where children and their non-offending caregivers can get the help they need to stop abuse and begin the process of healing.
At a CAC, a child or youth who has experienced abuse speaks with a forensic interviewer. Forensic interviewers are specially trained to ask supportive, developmentally appropriate questions in ways that avoid retraumatizing the child or youth. This is a way for everyone involved in supporting the child to get answers to important questions without the child having to share what happened over and over.
CACs use a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach that brings together professionals from law enforcement, prosecution, child protective services, medical, mental health, victim advocacy, and other agencies to offer comprehensive services to children and their families.
Through a CAC, families can get support including therapy, victim advocacy, case management, and other services.
For more information, find your local Children’s Advocacy Center or call the NM Sexual Assault Helpline (1-844-667-2457)
