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An average of — more than 12 million people over a single year.

Specialized support is critical for those who experience violence, including sexual assault, strangulation, elder abuse, domestic and intimate partner violence, and suspected human trafficking. Sentara offers resources that provide confidential and timely treatment, along with support and help in creating a safety plan, which can make a life-saving difference.

Forensic nursing support is available at several Sentara hospitals to provide one-on-one critical care to survivors of violence in a safe, non-judgmental setting for patients of all ages and gender identities. Forensic nursing plays a key role in bridging the gap between medical care and legal advocacy, providing trauma-informed care to survivors.

“Our patients come to us because they are seeking a safe space,” says Sarah Brogan, forensic nurse program coordinator for the Sentara Peninsula Forensic Nurse Examiners. “In many communities, the emergency department becomes that safe space.”

Brogan explains that forensic nurses do not act as law enforcement. Instead, they aim to provide compassionate care, medical treatment and safety planning for people who desire that support.

Strangulation is serious and causes brain injury

Strangulation is defined as intentionally impeding normal breathing or circulation of the blood by applying pressure on the throat or neck or blocking another person's nose or mouth.

Brogan says her team and others across the nation are seeing a sharp rise in strangulation violence.

“Strangulation is serious, and there is no safe way to be strangled,” emphasizes Brogan.

She wants survivors to know that , and .

This type of injury can also have a delayed onset of symptoms.

“I advise strangulation survivors to seek medical attention or stay with someone they trust for at least the first 24 hours after the strangulation,” says Brogan.

How forensic nurses help

Forensic nurses provide private and confidential treatment and services including:

• Assessment, medical treatment and documentation of injuries
• Crisis intervention
• Collecting, documenting and preserving evidence as part of a medical forensic exam, if desired by the patient, in a timely and compassionate manner
• Evaluating and offering prophylactic (preventive) treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
• Evaluating pregnancy risk and providing prevention support
• Providing appropriate referrals for follow-up medical care, counseling and safe discharge planning for survivors

Injury documentation for legal support

Forensic nurses are trained to provide compassionate injury documentation during a forensic medical exam for people seeking legal action.

“A medical forensic exam isn’t required, but it does help a case should they want to go to court,” says Brogan. “Documentation of things like the size of a bruise can make a difference versus just hearing about it.”

Those who choose to have evidence collected have options about how it is released or stored. If they are not ready to submit it, the evidence can be kept on file for future use if they are prepared to report their experience later.

Returning control to patients

Consent is crucial to every step forensic nurses take with their patients. Every procedure, from evidence collection to contacting advocacy resources, is conducted with patient consent.

“Patients who have experienced violence feel a loss of control, so giving them choices and letting them know we care gives them some power back,” says Brogan.

Resources and advocacy in your corner

Several studies have shown that than those who are not.

Brogan explains that violence survivors are often cut off from even the simplest of lifelines, such as telephones and online resources. They may not know what kind of help is available — particularly if they’re isolated from family and loved ones.

“Your whole world is wrapped up in this, and it’s not easy to make these life changes,” she adds.

Survivors are often seen many times at an emergency room before seeking help. over four years (1999-2002). The study found that, on average, women who experienced domestic violence (as reported by police events) visited the emergency department seven times each over the study period. Yet 72% did not disclose the abuse to the emergency department.

Forensic nurses hope to improve on these statistics and speak with more survivors.

“People may associate us with medical care, and that is our priority, but we also introduce people to resources and advocates for therapy, follow-up care, and their future safety,” shares Brogan.

Forensic nurses also provide discharge plans. They include information on financial assistance with a medical forensic exam, follow-up steps for retesting, care for new or worsening injuries and connections to advocates for legal and safety support.

Legal collaboration

Another service forensic nurses offer is acting as expert witnesses in court, using their observations and evidence to support legal cases.

“We assist if the patient chooses to pursue a legal course of action,” explains Brogan.

Community education

In addition to in-hospital support, forensic nurses provide community support, advocating for healthy and respectful relationships. By educating communities about available services proactively, forensic nurses address the root causes of violence and empower individuals to seek help.

There is hope

Forensic nursing exemplifies hope and healing for survivors of violence. By offering trauma-informed care, these dedicated care team members aid in recovery and empower individuals to rebuild their lives.

“I want people to know that even within the chaos, there is hope,” emphasizes Brogan. “There’s no one-size-fits-all model of support, and care doesn’t have to end when they leave the hospital.”

Forensic nursing support is available at these Sentara hospital emergency departments:

• Sentara Albemarle Medical Center (not a formal forensic nurse program but forensic support is available)
• Sentara CarePlex Hospital
• Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center
• Sentara RMH Medical Center
• Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center

Forensic nursing services are available at these Sentara emergency department locations in partnership with Chesapeake Forensic Specialists:

• Sentara BelleHarbour — Emergency Department
• Sentara Leigh Hospital
• Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
• Sentara Obici Hospital
• Sentara Princess Anne Hospital
• Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital

Patients who need forensic nursing support at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital and Sentara Halifax Regional Hospital are treated and stabilized as needed before being transported to partner hospitals where they can receive full forensic nursing support and follow-up care.

Additional support: