PRESS RELEASE
Sen. Michele Reynolds, Advocates, & Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) Call To Allow Remote Testimony
State Senator Michele Reynolds, RAINN, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, and local SANEs introduced a Senate resolution encouraging remote SANE testimony at a Statehouse press conference.
Columbus, OH (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)— RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, and local sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) joined Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) on Tuesday as she introduced a resolution recognizing the extreme importance of SANEs being permitted to testify remotely in court.
SANEs are forensic nurses with specialized training to support survivors of sexual violence in the immediate aftermath of sexual assault. They provide trauma-informed medical treatment, evidence collection, and—significantly—offer testimony in court proceedings that can make the difference in everything from the state’s decision to pursue a case against an accused sexual offender to that offender’s sentencing.
The resolution is based on a practical principle: SANEs should not be expected to take hours and even days away from their critical work as nurses to testify on behalf of survivors in courthouses throughout Ohio when remote testimony is possible. This resolution would establish allowing more SANEs to testify remotely as Ohio public policy and an important state interest, giving survivors more access to support in their medical care and pursuit of justice.
“Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to survivors during their most vulnerable moments,” said Sen. Michele Reynolds. “This resolution supports secure remote testimony to reduce burdens on these highly trained nurses, strengthen access to survivor care, and ensure SANEs can continue serving both patients and the justice system effectively.”
“Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to survivors during their most vulnerable moments.”
Ohio Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester)
Access to SANEs and similar support has been demonstrated to result in survivors being more likely to complete forensic exams, cooperate in legal processes, and seek ongoing healthcare. Their additional training also means survivors are less likely to experience secondary trauma when undergoing a forensic exam and medical treatment.
“SANEs are needed in the clinic every single day. They are also needed to support survivors in their pursuit of justice through the courts. No one can be in two places at once, but remote testimony gets us close,” said RAINN Vice President of Public Policy Stefan Turkheimer. “Let’s get SANEs out of courthouse waiting rooms and back into hospitals, where they can continue delivering the vital care survivors need.”
“Let’s get SANEs out of courthouse waiting rooms and back into hospitals, where they can continue delivering the vital care survivors need.”
RAINN Vice President of Public Policy, Stefan Turkheimer
If you are covering this legislation, please note that RAINN’s Vice President of Public Policy, Stefan Turkheimer, is available for comment and interview on this topic.