Op-Ed

In Cibola County, survivors of sexual assault have long faced an unfair and deeply harmful barrier: there has been no Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program here. Survivors needing a medical forensic are forced to travel sometimes an hour or more to another county.

Imagine experiencing one of the most traumatic events of your life and then being told you must leave your community, often with law enforcement escort, to find a trained nurse who can help. Sometimes having to wait a day or two. That travel and wait time can delay medical treatment, risk losing crucial evidence, and add to the emotional toll of an already devastating experience.

For years, Roberta’s Place has seen the impact of this gap. We’ve heard the fear in survivors’ voices when they learn they’ll have to travel for care. We’ve watched as some choose not to undergo an exam at all because the process feels too overwhelming. We’ve worked to support survivors through each of these challenges — but we knew that Cibola County deserved better.

That’s why we are incredibly proud to announce that Roberta’s Place is opening our own SANE program right here, in our community. This is more than a new service. It’s a turning point.

A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner is a registered nurse with specialized training to care for survivors of sexual assault. SANEs conduct thorough medical forensic exams, collect evidence that can be used in court, provide treatment for injuries, offer preventative care for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, and connect survivors with advocates and ongoing support. Just as important, they do all of this in a trauma-informed way meaning survivors are treated with compassion, respect, and dignity.

With this program, survivors will no longer have to leave Cibola County to get help. They can receive care immediately, in a safe and supportive environment. That means quicker access to medical treatment, stronger evidence collection for those pursuing justice, and a more compassionate response for every survivor.

Opening a SANE unit is no small task. It requires recruiting and training specialized medical staff, securing appropriate equipment, building strong partnerships with law enforcement and healthcare providers, and ensuring we have availability. Roberta’s Place has been working tirelessly to make this happen, and we could not be prouder of the team and community members who have supported this effort.

This is a milestone not just for Roberta’s Place, but for all of Cibola County. It’s a commitment that says: We believe survivors. We support them. And we will make sure they get the care they need close to home.

Roberta’s Place was founded on the belief that safety, dignity, and healing should be accessible to everyone. The launch of our SANE program is one more way we are living out that mission. We are honored to be able to provide this critical service and grateful to our community for standing with us.

Cibola County has waited a long time for this day. Now, when someone needs a SANE exam, they won’t have to go somewhere else. They can find care, compassion, and hope — right here at home.

If you or a family member are experiencing abuse, you can reach out for help at 505-287-7724, our 24/7 crisis line.