“Forensic nurse – the role of orensic nurse in sexual assault cases”
Session
Medicine and Nursing
Description
The role of a forensic nurse in sexual assault cases is crucial for providing compassionate care to survivors and collecting vital evidence. These specialized healthcare professionals bridge the gap between medical treatment and the legal system, offering a unique set of skills that combine nursing expertise with forensic science. Their work has a significant impact on both the healing process for victims and the pursuit of justice in sexual violence cases. Forensic nurses, particularly those trained as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), perform several key functions in sexual assault cases. They conduct thorough medical examinations, gather and preserve forensic evidence, and offer emotional support to survivors. This guide will explore the various aspects of a forensic nurse’s responsibilities, including the sexual assault examination process, evidence collection techniques, and the legal considerations involved in their work. It will also highlight the importance of a victim-centered approach and the challenges forensic nurses may face when testifying in court. The biggest priority is keeping the patient safe. Other forensic nurse duties for sexual assault victims include: Taking a complete medical history Documenting the patient’s description of the sexual assault Conducting a full body assessment Being supportive and non-judgmental Forensic nurses need to keep evidence intact if the sexual assault victim has a medical condition that needs to be addressed immediately. After the exam, victims are given information to speak with law enforcement, victim advocacy, housing information, and information about the legal system. Forensic nurses also discuss where the victim will stay/live after they leave the healthcare facility. The nurses make sure the victim gets home safely and securely.
ISBN
978-9951-982-41-2
Location
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
Start Date
25-10-2025 9:00 AM
End Date
26-10-2025 6:00 PM
DOI
10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.369
Recommended Citation
Gerxhaliu, Arsim, "“Forensic nurse – the role of orensic nurse in sexual assault cases”" (2025). UBT International Conference. 14.
https://knowledgecenter.ubt-uni.net/conference/2025UBTIC/MN/14
“Forensic nurse – the role of orensic nurse in sexual assault cases”
UBT Lipjan, Kosovo
The role of a forensic nurse in sexual assault cases is crucial for providing compassionate care to survivors and collecting vital evidence. These specialized healthcare professionals bridge the gap between medical treatment and the legal system, offering a unique set of skills that combine nursing expertise with forensic science. Their work has a significant impact on both the healing process for victims and the pursuit of justice in sexual violence cases. Forensic nurses, particularly those trained as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), perform several key functions in sexual assault cases. They conduct thorough medical examinations, gather and preserve forensic evidence, and offer emotional support to survivors. This guide will explore the various aspects of a forensic nurse’s responsibilities, including the sexual assault examination process, evidence collection techniques, and the legal considerations involved in their work. It will also highlight the importance of a victim-centered approach and the challenges forensic nurses may face when testifying in court. The biggest priority is keeping the patient safe. Other forensic nurse duties for sexual assault victims include: Taking a complete medical history Documenting the patient’s description of the sexual assault Conducting a full body assessment Being supportive and non-judgmental Forensic nurses need to keep evidence intact if the sexual assault victim has a medical condition that needs to be addressed immediately. After the exam, victims are given information to speak with law enforcement, victim advocacy, housing information, and information about the legal system. Forensic nurses also discuss where the victim will stay/live after they leave the healthcare facility. The nurses make sure the victim gets home safely and securely.