In the critical moments following a violent trauma, a patient’s body becomes the primary witness to a crime. For healthcare providers, the challenge lies in balancing immediate, life-saving interventions with the meticulous preservation of forensic evidence. This presentation explores the specialized role of the Forensic Nurse at the intersection of medicine and the legal system. Through a review of real-life case studies (ranging from pediatric assault to adult trauma), the presenter will examine the clinical techniques used to document injuries and collect DNA/evidence that “corners” suspects. Participants will gain insight into the ethical and legal necessity of information control, learning why certain details must be withheld to protect the integrity of an investigation and ensure justice for the survivor.
Trigger Warning: This presentation contains information (written, spoken, or visual) that may be triggering or (re)traumatizing to attendees.
Mindy Lause serves as the Forensic Nursing Program Manager at St. Vincent Medical Center and is the Co-Chair of Northern Ohio REACH. She is a pioneer in treating violence as a "differential diagnosis," operating under the firm belief that violence is a healthcare crisis that transcends demographics and frequently presents beneath the surface of a chief complaint.