IAFN PROJECTS

Through a targeted technical assistance (TA) project with OVW, IAFN is partnering with a multidisciplinary group of subject matter experts (SMEs) to determine the best practices for delivering specialized, trauma-informed, comprehensive medical forensic examinations to individuals who have experienced domestic violence. The creation of this National Protocol for Domestic Violence Medical Forensic Examinations will provide the target audience (healthcare clinicians and other first responders) with needed guidance to address the broad medical forensic needs of patients who disclose domestic violence in an effort to improve the healthcare and criminal justice system response, and subsequently victim outcomes.

Since 2004, IAFN has partnered with a multidisciplinary group of SMEs to provide training and technical assistance (T/TA) around implementing the National Protocol for Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examinations Adult/Adolescent 2nd Edition, the National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic Examinations: Pediatric, the National Best Practices for Sexual Assault Kits: a Multidisciplinary Approach and the National SAFE Training Standards 2nd Edition, including the Minimum Training Recommendations for all clinicians who care for patients who have been sexually assaulted or abused. A major project resource accessible to all is the corresponding SAFEta.org website.

Through a targeted technical assistance (TA) project with OVW, IAFN has partnered with a multidisciplinary group of subject matter experts (SMEs) to develop and disseminate T/TA around implementing effective options surrounding billing, coding and reimbursement processes related to the sexual assault medical forensic exam in an effort to improve access to, and payment for, medical forensic sexual assault exams for victims, including those who do not wish to report the crime at the time of the exam

Through a training and technical assistance (T/TA) project funded by OVW, IAFN has partnered with a multidisciplinary group of subject matter experts (SMEs) to empower those responding to sexual violence in Tribal communities through technical assistance, essential resources, and education that ensures a culturally appropriate response, while strengthening the medical response.

Through a technical assistance (TA) project with OVC, IAFN has partnered with a multidisciplinary group of subject matter experts (SMEs) to provide training and technical assistance (T/TA) to the four OVC-funded demonstration sites in establishing and/or maintaining quality, patient-centered, trauma-informed and evidence-based telehealth sexual assault medical forensic examinations, while ensuring that victim safety, autonomy, and self-agency are kept at the heart of care. This project involves providing assistance T/TA to these programs and others who are providing teleSAFE services.

Through a technical assistance (TA) project with OVC, IAFN has partnered with a multidisciplinary group of subject matter experts (SMEs) to provide training and technical assistance (T/TA) to selected OVC-funded campus, hospital-based, and community-based SANE programs throughout the US and its territories. This project aims to utilize the expertise and experience of IAFN, its project partners, and OVC to deliver site-specific T/TA to the select SANE programs throughout the US and its territories. Additionally, IAFN and partners will develop SANE Regional Centers of Excellence (CoE) offering a clinical precepted experience for didactically prepared SANEs.