"The revised SAFE Protocol reflects the many important improvements that can help increase the quality of the services victims receive. There is information on populations with special needs, such as victims with limited English proficiency, victims with disabilities, American Indian and Alaska Native victims, victims in the Military, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender victims. The new version also provides more information on topics such as drug and alcohol facilitated sexual assault, pregnancy, confidentiality, and alternative reporting procedures. The revised version also increases the emphasis on victim-centered care and collaboration, including offering victims an informed choice about participating in the criminal justice system. [...] The updated SAFE Protocol is a tremendous victory for victims of sexual assault and the dedicated SAFEs, SANEs, advocates, law enforcement, and prosecutors that support victims and hold offenders accountable."
OVW and the International Association of Forensic Nurses will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, May 21 to present additional details on the revised protocol and answer any questions about the update. There are two OVW facts sheets available that summarize the major updates in the revised protocol: Download the full SAFE Protocol, 2d at https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ovw/241903.pdf.