Forensic nursing services
Medical forensic exams
Medical forensic exams address health and safety issues and include the collection of any potential evidence from an assault. Nurses will:
- Obtain a medical history
- Perform a physical exam
- Collect potential evidence
- Provide education about potential health risks and concerns related to an assault
- Offer referrals for follow-up
- Maintain the legal chain of custody for samples collected
Nurses may also:
- Provide expert witness testimony in court when necessary
- Respond to requests for court-ordered collection of samples that may link or exonerate someone from a crime
Victim advocacy
With funding from the Victims of Crime Act, HonorHealth’s Forensic Nurse Examiner program has two victim services advocates who can help victims of crime understand their rights and connect them with needed resources after they are seen by the forensic nurse. Advocates may assist with:
- Filing victim’s compensation claims
- Obtaining orders of protection
- Developing a safety plan
- Enrolling in the address confidentiality program
- Court accompaniment
- Follow-up for healthcare and counseling
- Referrals to other community resources
Victim services advocates are also available to assist with:
- Victims and their families during mass casualty situations
- Unaccompanied victims without a source of support, especially victims who have no other advocacy support
- Victims who choose not to report to police
- Inmates who have been assaulted (exams can occur in the hospital emergency department)
- Inpatients who have been a victim of any crime