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For Medical Providers

Many pediatricians and medical providers may not have specialized training and expertise in child sexual abuse. Referring a family to a Pedi-SANE ensures that the child’s care is coordinated, comprehensive, and specialized. With the caregiver’s permission, the Pedi-SANE collaborates with the child’s medical provider to deliver services.

If Abuse is Suspected or Disclosed

During normal business hours (with guardian consent), primary care providers may contact the CAC's Pedi-SANE to see if it is possible to complete a child’s examination or forensic evidence collection at the CAC instead of in an emergency department. If a child is currently in an emergency department, evidence collection should be done at that hospital. 

  • Child is under 12 years and abuse occurred in last 72 hours, or child reports pain or bleeding
    • The child should be seen urgently to assess for injuries and to collect forensic evidence that may be on the child’s body and clothing.
    • If the abuse involves oral, vaginal, or rectal penetration by a penis, other body part, or object; or if there is a concern of bodily secretions (i.e., saliva, semen, etc.) on the child’s body or clothing; forensic evidence collection is indicated and should be done as soon as possible. 

    Most Massachusetts emergency departments that provide pediatric care have access to the MA Pediatric Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit and have been trained by the Pedi-SANE Program to use these kits as indicated.

    More on the Medical Referral Process for Patients 11 Years and Younger

  • Child is 12 years or older and abuse occurred in last 120 hours, or child reports pain or bleeding
    • The child should be seen urgently to assess for injuries and to collect forensic evidence that may be on the child’s body and clothing.
    • If the abuse involves oral, vaginal, or rectal penetration by a penis, other body part, or object; or if there is a concern of bodily secretions (i.e., saliva, semen, etc.) on the child’s body or clothing; forensic evidence collection is indicated and should be done as soon as possible. 

    All emergency departments in Massachusetts have access and have been trained to use the MA Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (for patients 12 years and older).  Certain facilities are designated SANE sites where Adult and Adolescent SANE services are available to care for patients 12 years and older on a 24/7 basis. 

    More on the Medical Referral Process for Patients 12 Years and Older