UNB alums lead efforts to support survivors of gender-based violence
Author: Angie Deveau
Posted on Dec 10, 2024
Category: UNB Saint John
As we close the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the University of New Brunswick (UNB) proudly celebrates the transformative work of two alums, Ashley Stuart and Sarah Deline, who are making a profound impact in supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
Ashley Stuart's journey
Ashley Stuart (BN’15) serves as the regional coordinator for the Sexual Assault/Forensic Nurse Examiner (SANE/FNE) program at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
SANEs and FNEs are registered nurses with specialized training and clinical experience in providing medical forensic care to survivors of sexual violence.
"My education at UNB was pivotal in shaping my career and passion for supporting survivors of GBV. The community clinical time during my degree exposed me to the needs of vulnerable populations and the resources available to help them,” said Stuart.
"Working at the UNB Community Health Clinic, now called the Fredericton Downtown Community Health Centre, as part of my experiential learning helped me understand how complex issues like trauma and addiction influence behaviour and healthcare needs," she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Stuart says learning from Indigenous leaders and Elders at Welamukotuk (Oromocto First Nation) was an invaluable experience. She also emphasized UNB’s supportive environment.
"The faculty at UNB were incredibly supportive and always encouraged us to engage deeply with our community. This hands-on approach was crucial in developing my understanding of the social determinants of health."
Sarah Deline's journey
Sarah Deline (BN’18) graduated from UNB’s Moncton site and works as a forensic nurse examiner at the Saint John Regional Hospital. She chose to pursue a career in nursing to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
"The concept of patient advocacy was heavily woven into my undergraduate degree at UNB,” she said.
“This foundation served as fuel for my early nursing practice and continues to fuel me through my work as a forensic nurse examiner. Individuals impacted by GBV face unique challenges and vulnerabilities, and it is a privilege to be able to advocate and care for survivors in those moments," Deline said.
Raising awareness
Both Stuart and Deline emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the resources available through the SANE/FNE program, especially among university students.
"For many students, this might be their first time living independently. Knowing about resources like the SANE/FNE program can be an essential tool in their toolkit,” Stuart said.
Deline added, "Awareness of these services can empower survivors to seek care, knowing they will be treated with dignity by specialized providers in a safe and trauma-informed environment. Additionally, public awareness aids in reducing stigma and misinformation surrounding gender-based violence."
Advice for supporting survivors
Stuart and Deline advise the community to believe survivors of GBV.
"When survivors are believed, they are more empowered to seek support. If someone you know has been affected by GBV, you can offer support by sharing local resources, such as the SANE/FNE program," Deline said.
Accessing the SANE program
If someone needs to access the SANE program, they can do so in the following ways:
- Go to the Emergency Department (ED) at one of the designated hospitals and ask to see the SANE/FNE.
- Call ahead to the ED to arrange services and speak with a SANE/FNE on-call.
- Contact your local hospital between Monday and Friday and ask to speak to the SANE/FNE coordinator to arrange an appointment for non-emergency cases.
By promoting education and amplifying survivors' voices, we can work toward ending GBV.
Stuart and Deline are examples of the transformative education students receive at UNB, equipping them with the skills and compassion needed to make a real difference in the world.