Issues for debate paper
Sexual assault and Gender Based Violence in Scotland have been deemed a major public health issue (NHS Health Scotland 2017). However a recent evaluation of forensic health services in the country has deemed the provision of care for victims of sexual assault inadequate (Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland 2017). Nationally and internationally these issues have been addressed by the introduction of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) yet Scotland has lagged behind in developing this specialist role. This literature review explored adult sexual assault victims’ experiences of healthcare as delivered by SANE and demonstrated the positive impact on the victims’ journey to recovery. Therefore it is recommended developing education programmes for the development of nurses in this specialist role.
