Medical
If you or a loved one has been sexually assaulted, it is vital to have a comprehensive medical exam as soon as possible. Whether or not a survivor decides to report the assault, it is still important to check for injuries, prevent future STDs, and address possible pregnancy. At SARC, our SANEs can provide sensitive, confidential, trauma-informed medical services. If you or a loved one experienced sexual assault, don’t hesitate to call the SARC crisis line and review your options for medical attention.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
SANEs are nurses who have been clinically and didactically trained to attend to the medical and forensic needs of a survivor of sexual assault. This means that SANEs specialize in assessing injuries, documenting findings, collecting evidence, providing STI prophylaxis, and offering follow-up care.
SARC is working hard to make SANEs available at all times, both in hospitals and at the center. However, there may be times when a SANE from SARC is not available to complete the exam. When this happens, emergency physicians in the hospital are capable of completing the exam.
Forensic Medical Exam (FME)
Medical exams are important for all survivors to have in order to ensure their physical well-being, but patients may also choose to have a forensic medical exam. The FME is a full-body exam to assess injuries, document findings, and collect evidence; each patient’s exam is different and depends on their specific experience.
Swabs, photographs, clothes, or other samples may be collected during the exam based on what the patient discloses and only with their full consent (an advocate can provide a new set of clothes if needed).
Sexual Assault Kit (SAK)
All the evidence collected during the FME is put into the SAK (sometimes called a rape kit). This is the part that is handed off to law enforcement for them to send to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to test for DNA evidence. It is usually only collected within 120 hours (around 5 days) after the assault. After that time, it is less likely to find DNA.
If the survivor does not want to report to law enforcement right away, a SANE can still do the FME and collect the SAK. It will then be a restricted SAK, and it will be stored safely at the center for up to 12 months. If the survivor decides to report at any time within those 12 months, the SAK can then be handed to law enforcement and GBI to test for DNA.
Meet Our Medical Team
Dee Dee Poccia
Executive Director, SANE, MBA-HCM, BSN, RN
Dee Dee Poccia serves as the Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Response Center, where she brings together her background in healthcare, leadership, and forensic nursing to guide a compassionate and skilled team. With years of experience in critical care within hospital settings, Dee Dee developed a deep understanding of trauma and the importance of providing care that is both clinically sound and emotionally supportive.
As a leader, Dee Dee uses her clinical experience and trauma-informed approach to strengthen programs, support staff, and ensure survivors receive the highest standard of care. Her passion for helping others and her unwavering pursuit of justice are evident in everything she does, from guiding organizational growth to engaging with community partners and advancing survivor-centered initiatives.
Outside of her professional life, Dee Dee enjoys spending time boating, traveling to new destinations, and caring for her beloved cats, Oliver and Charlotte. Her balance of compassion, determination, and joy reflects her belief that healing and hope are possible for individuals and communities alike.
