RFU Partners to Close a Gap in Care for Young Survivors of Sexual Assault

Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinics (RFUHC), in partnership with the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center (LCCAC), is helping to close a gap in compassionate and comprehensive care for young survivors of sexual assault with the establishment of the RFU Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) Medical Clinic. 

Under the partnership, RFUHC will provide clinicians and operational staff for Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) examinations to survivors, ages 1–18, at the LCCAC. The new clinic will operate on $1 million in state funding championed by Illinois State Senator Julie Morrison.

“This new clinic helps fulfill our mission to improve the wellness of all people,” said RFU President and CEO Dr. Wendy Rheault in an Aug. 27 press conference announcing the highly-collaborative effort. “It is a great example of how working in partnership, we can make an immediate and lasting impact.”

Most young survivors of sexual assault are sent to emergency departments for required examinations, where they face long waits and an intimidating environment. There is a high rate of missed or no follow-up care. Of the 790 forensic interviews conducted by LCCAC in 2023, including 587 for sexual abuse, only 40 medical exams were recorded at the time of interview. Just 20 of those were SANE examinations.

“We’re offering an innovative, one-of-a-kind solution to the injustice experienced by one of our most fragile and underserved patient populations,” said Jeff Espina, RFU vice president for clinical services. “A safe, welcoming, child-friendly platform for the care of highly sensitive victims of abuse.”

The LCCAC has been working for 37 years to advance the care and protection of children. Executive Director Carrie Flanigan said that providing medical assistance on site at the agency’s home in nearby Gurnee, Illinois, will allow for better collaboration that secures both a specialized medical exam and an effective investigation.

“We searched for a vested community partner with the same vision, passion, and enthusiasm to serve our clients consistently, timely and professionally,” Ms. Flanigan said. “We are thrilled to have found that partner with Rosalind Franklin University.  Working together, we can ensure that children receive the care they need and begin the journey to healing.

A SANE is a registered nurse or advanced practice provider who is specifically trained and certified as a SANE-A (adult/adolescent) and/or a SANE-P (pediatrics) to offer comprehensive care to survivors of sexual assault. SANEs are highly skilled in conducting forensic medical examinations — head to toe physical exams to identify all signs of trauma. The exams may include the completion of the Illinois State Police Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit.

A SANE may also be called to testify as an expert witness in a criminal trial.

The state investment will also help RFU and LCCAC develop a strategy to help solve the critical shortage of SANES across Lake County, including the potential designation of the RFU CAC Medical Clinic as a clinical training site for future SANE providers.

"This initiative is not just about education and training —  it’s about building a safer, more supportive community,” said Sen. Morrison, who led the $1 million appropriation in the FY25 state budget for the RFU-LCCAC partnership. “It’s about standing up for survivors and giving them the care and respect they deserve. It’s about ensuring that our healthcare professionals are well-prepared to handle the sensitive and complex nature of sexual assault cases."