This presentation will focus on forensic nursing and the medical forensic exam. It will begin with an overview of the forensic nursing specialty, highlighting the populations served—such as survivors of human trafficking, sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and other forms of intentional injury. The structure of forensic nursing programs will be explored, including the importance of collaboration with law enforcement, prosecution, victim advocates, and other community partners. The presentation will then delve into the medical forensic exam, a specialized and trauma-informed process conducted by trained forensic nurses. Key components include obtaining a medical history, conducting a physical assessment, taking forensic photographs, collecting and preserving evidence, and providing necessary medical care. These exams are crucial not only for supporting criminal investigations and potential prosecution, but also for ensuring that patients receive timely, compassionate, and holistic care during a vulnerable time. Additionally, the role of the forensic nurse in providing expert courtroom testimony will be discussed, underscoring the importance of accurate documentation and communication in the legal process. The presentation will conclude by emphasizing the importance of consulting a forensic nurse and the value they bring to cases of victims impacted by violence. These professionals are uniquely trained to balance medical care with forensic evidence collection, increasing the chances of achieving justice while prioritizing the survivor’s well-being. Resources will be shared to help viewers locate forensic nursing services in their area.
Dr. Bonnie Price is Administrative Director of Community Health – Violence Response for Bon Secours in Richmond, Virginia overseeing violence prevention, human trafficking, workplace violence, and forensic nursing, which she co-founded in 1993. She serves on Virginia’s Sexual Assault Task Force and chairs the Richmond Regional Human Trafficking Collaborative.
Mindy Lause, Co-Chair of Northern Ohio REACH, is the Forensic Nursing Program Manager at St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. She leads a team caring for trauma victims and champions treating violence as a healthcare issue, using forensic nursing to address it—even when it’s not the primary complaint.