Aspirus Health’s SANE Program Provides Specialized Care for Sexual Assault Survivors
4/1/2025
Rhonda Knoblock, Aspirus Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
More than half of
women and nearly one in three men in the United States have experienced sexual
violence involving physical contact in their lifetime, according to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
During Sexual
Assault Awareness Month, Aspirus Health is emphasizing the critical need for
compassionate, trauma-informed care for survivors. Through its Sexual Assault
Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, Aspirus provides confidential medical care and
connects survivors with essential resources to support their healing and
recovery.
The Aspirus SANE
program serves adolescents and adults, offering medical exams, forensic
evidence collection (if desired), and advocacy support. Survivors remain in
control of their care at every step.
"They've had
their choices taken away from them," said Rhonda Knoblock, a Sexual
Assault Nurse Examiner at Aspirus Health. "So we want to give those back
to them. If they decide they want us to collect evidence, we will. If they
decide they don’t want us to, we won’t. But we want to be there for them to
provide the resources and care they need to help them through this
time."
Beyond medical care,
survivors can connect with trained advocates who provide guidance and emotional
support. These services are available at multiple Aspirus locations, making
care more accessible, especially in rural communities.
"If they have
to travel miles to see somebody, that can be a barrier that prevents them from
seeking help,” Knoblock said. “Having these services in their own community
increases the likelihood that they will come in.”
Aspirus remains
committed to ensuring that all survivors, no matter where they live, have
access to the care and support they need. Even for those who may be unsure
about seeking an exam, Knoblock encourages them to reach out.
"I know they’re
scared, but we urge them to come in and talk to us,” says Knoblock. “Even if
they choose not to have an exam, we want them to know we are here to help, to
provide them with resources, and to support them in their healing journey.”
Where to Get
Help
The Aspirus SANE
Program is available at the following locations:
- Aspirus Ironwood
Hospital – (906) 932-2525
- Aspirus Langlade
Hospital – (715) 623-2331
- Aspirus Medford
Hospital – (715) 748-8100
- Aspirus Rhinelander
Hospital – (715) 361-2000
- Aspirus Stanley
Hospital – (715) 644-5530
- Aspirus Stevens
Point Hospital – (715) 346-5000
- Aspirus Wausau
Hospital – (715) 847-2121
- Aspirus Wisconsin
Rapids Hospital – (715) 423-6060
- Howard Young Medical
Center – (715) 356-8000
For more information
about the Aspirus SANE program, visit aspirus.org/sexual-assault-treatment.
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