Michigan State University Launches First Response Medical Care for Sexual Assault Survivors

Showing its concern for sexual misconduct and assault on campuses across the country, Michigan State University is rolling out first-response medical care to sexual assault survivors program.

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, announced by the university on Tuesday, follows the recommendations of its Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup that was created in February 2018.

The university has hired Jenifer Markowitz, a forensic nursing consultant to aid in the development of the program.

“We conducted a thorough review of programs and services for sexual assault survivors at MSU and concluded that there is no reliable option for post-assault medical support on campus,” said Rebecca Campbell, workgroup chair and psychology professor.

“Although there is a SANE and a SART program in the greater Lansing area, they are difficult for MSU community members, particularly students, to access. Given the size of the student body and broader community, we need dedicated 24-hour on-campus programs.”

The workgroup has also recommended creating a SANE Advisory Board which will bring together students, faculty, staff, and people from state-level organizations and the greater Lansing area.

Over the last year, the University has undertaken various initiatives aimed at addressing sexual abuse, especially after receiving backlash for its handling of complaints against disgraced physician Larry Nassar.

Last May, the university agreed to settle the lawsuit by paying $500 million to 332 victims of sexual abuse by Nassar. Nassar was sentenced to 40-175 years in prison after he was found guilty of three child pornography charges and 10 sexual assault charges. He is serving his sentence at the United States Penitentiary in Tuscon, Arizona.

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