Forensic Nurses Vital in the Healthcare Response to Violence

ELKRIDGE, Md., Nov. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During November 07 – 11, 2016, the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) celebrates "Forensic Nurses Week"—to recognize nurses who provide exceptional care every day to men, women, and children who have been impacted by violence and abuse. IAFN members contact their elected officials, generate public awareness about their vital work, and display and wear lilac, the official color of forensic nursing.

Patients affected by violence require specialized, compassionate care from a healthcare professional trained to treat the trauma associated with sexual assault, intimate partner violence, neglect, or other forms of intentional and unintentional injury. Forensic nurses bring expertise to all aspects of providing care for their patients, including the meticulous collection of evidence and the careful presentation of expert testimony in both criminal and civil proceedings.

By providing forensic nursing services, communities arm themselves with a vital resource to combat the short- and long term-health consequences of violence, launch violence prevention efforts, and help ensure the administration of justice. 

"Forensic nurses play an integral role in bridging the gap between law and medicine. They should be in each and every emergency room."

-- Joseph Biden, Jr., Vice President, United States
from Forensic Nursing: a Handbook for Practice 

THE ASSOCIATION AT A GLANCE                                                            

With more than 3,700 members from 24 countries, the International Association of Forensic Nurses has a mission to provide leadership in forensic nursing practice by developing, promoting, and disseminating information internationally about forensic nursing science. The Association offers board certification for sexual assault nurse examiners who care for Adult/Adolescent (SANE-A®) and Pediatric (SANE-P®) patients. The Association and the American Nurse Credentialing Center (ANCC) also offer a certification through portfolio for Advanced Forensic Nurses. For more information, visit www.ForensicNurses.org.

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SOURCE International Association of Forensic Nurses