Forensic Nurses Urges Congress to Address Must Pass Legislation

ELKRIDGE, Md., April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On April 12, 2016, the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) took to Capitol Hill to strongly urge Congress to take action on the Justice for All Act Reauthorization (S.2577/H.R.4602), Sexual Assault Survivors' Rights Act (S.2566), funding for programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act and legislation to address the college campus sexual assault epidemic.

"Forensic nurses are on the frontlines of dealing with victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and elder abuse.  We ask the Congress to take up legislation to address these issues before the end of this 114th Congress," stated IAFN President Dee Krebs. "Victims of abuse must have appropriate access to support and services, including access to a forensic nurse/sexual assault nurse examiner." 

A forensic nurse is a nurse who provides specialized care for patients who are victims and/or perpetrators of violence (both intentional and unintentional).  Forensic Nurses are NURSES first and foremost. However, the specialized role of forensic nurses goes far beyond medical care; forensic nurses also have a specialized knowledge of the legal system and skills in injury identification, evaluation and documentation.  In addition to attending to a patient's immediate medical needs, a forensic nurse often collects evidence, provides medical testimony in court, and consults with legal authorities.  

The International Association of Forensic Nurses is a professional organization comprised of forensic nurses and other professionals around the world who support and compliment the work of forensic nursing.  Our mission is to provide leadership in forensic nursing practice by developing, promoting, and disseminating information internationally about forensic nursing science.  For more information about the Association please visit the website at www.ForensicNurses.org. Press contact Jen Pierce-Weeks at [email protected] or 410-626-7805.

SOURCE International Association of Forensic Nurses