About
We are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive care to those who have experienced violence. Our Forensic Nurse Examiner Program is a testament to this commitment, offering specialized support to patients who have endured sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and other forms of trauma. Our specially trained Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs) provide a safe and supportive environment, ensuring that each patient receives the medical attention, support, and forensic services they need to begin their healing journey.
Forensic Nurse Examiners are experts in trauma-informed care, offering sensitive medical examinations, evidence collection, and crisis intervention. They also are dedicated to ensuring patients have access to the resources and support systems necessary for their ongoing recovery. By providing this crucial service, CommonSpirit Health strives to be a beacon of hope and healing for survivors of violence in our communities, embodying our mission to improve the health of all we serve, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Forensic exams are available for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence/intimate partner violence or individuals of any age, race, gender, or sexual orientation who have experienced intentional violence. A patient has the right to decline any portion of the exam.
The patient’s privacy will be protected, and we’ll present them with reporting and evidence collection options.
Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact that occurs without explicit consent. Your FNE can review your reporting options
with you. It may not be required to report the assault to law enforcement.
Additionally, FNEs are trained to screen and care for survivors of human trafficking and provide safety planning and resources.
For more information on reporting options visit: youhavetherightco.org
Commonly known as domestic violence. IPV is defined as physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner. For more info: CDC.gov
Often seen with IPV and sexual assault is strangulation, also referred to as “choking”. Strangulation is any pressure applied to the neck. It can be fatal days after the assault and medical attention is needed immediately, even if there are no external injuries.
If financial barriers are a factor in your decision to seek medical care after an assault, please discuss this with your FNE. They can provide options for financial assistance programs for survivors.
After surviving a traumatic event, it is typical to experience depression, disbelief, fear, guilt, anger, numbness, inability to concentrate or relax, avoidance, general loss of interest, nausea, headaches, and physical stress. Each person will react in their own way. Our FNEs work with patients to connect them with the resources they need on their journey toward healing.
