This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we want to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the incredible work of our forensic nurses. They provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to survivors, ensuring they receive both medical attention and the support they need to begin healing. Their dedication and expertise are invaluable in our mission to serve and empower survivors.
Below, we’re proud to share the bios of our three nurses. Join us in thanking them for their commitment to this life-changing work!
Lina Evans
SafeHouse Position: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
About Lina: Lina Evans Began working as a SANE in 2016 when SafeHouse opened its sexual assault medical services doors. She has been working in the coroner field since 2009. She retired from UAB in December, but returned in March for contract work. She has a small farm with 3 sheep, 1 goat, and 10 chickens.
What’s your “why” when it comes to Forensic Nursing: “I just like helping people.” And what a gift of touch Lina has. Thank you for all you do!
Read more of Lina’s story here.
Debra Higgins
SafeHouse Position: Forensic Services Director and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
About Deb: I absolutely love Forensic Nursing! Since 2011, I have been able to provide over 400 comprehensive head to toe medical examinations and evidence collection for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. I am able to give education and prevention awareness, but most importantly, be a support and a voice for survivors.
I am married to my husband Kelly; momma to 3—Jared, Karson, & Jenna; dog momma to two.
Hometown: Great Bend, Kansas
Favorite Hobbies: Singing, traveling with my family baking, gardening, crafting
Guilty Pleasures: I LOVE all things fall, the white sandy beaches of Alabama /Florida, and spending time at the Disney castle. I am a Disney FREAK!!! I dream of Soar’n, Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Radiator Springs Car Land rides, Dole Whips and churros. I am always secretly planning my next trip. No matter where we are, together or apart, my family always sends each other hidden Mickey’s when we see them. My musical tastes range from praise and worship to Kenny Chesney to 80’s rock.
Jessica Todd
SafeHouse P
osition: Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
About Jessica: I became interested in SANE nursing after researching nursing certifications for a school project. I immediately felt in my heart that it was something I wanted to do, and began looking for ways to get involved. I became SANE trained in 2024 to do sexual assault exams on adults. Being a SANE is something that I am new to, but incredibly passionate about! It is an honor to help care for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, and I am so proud to be a part of this incredible community of nurses.
Jessica has been an RN since 2011. She is married with 1 son ,1 bonus daughter, 1 dog, 2 cats, and many fish. Her favorite place is at her family lake house, and that’s where you can find her throughout most of the summer. In her spare time, she loves to read and spend time caring for her house plants.
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