Case study
Sexual assault investigation is one of the main components of Forensic Nursing. The case study below illustrates an example of where a forensic nurse would be needed. Answer the questions in order to understand the role of a nurse in forensics.
Jamie is a 15 year old student who attends a public high school in her community. Her mother is on social assistance and often, leaves Jamie to fend for herself in the evenings as she goes out with her friends for nights of partying and drinking. Jamie’s father has not been around since she was very young and she has no siblings.
Jamie has repeatedly been the victim of sexual abuse and assault by her mother’s boyfriend. She is only reporting this now because she found out that she is now pregnant as a result of the assaults.
Jamie came to a free, confidential clinic where services that are offered do not require a health card or disclosure of any personal information. She did not want to address the issue of the sexual assault however, wanted to get an abortion. You suspected her to be a victim of rape and after developing a relationship with her, she revealed to you that this in fact was correct.
Jamie does not want to charge her mother’s boyfriend with anything and she definitely does not want the police involved. Jamie has expressed to you how important it is that her mother does not find out about the incidents. She reveals to you that she has just recently started to get along with her mother better and thinks this will cause a break in their relationship that is already rocky.
Jamie is a 15 year old student who attends a public high school in her community. Her mother is on social assistance and often, leaves Jamie to fend for herself in the evenings as she goes out with her friends for nights of partying and drinking. Jamie’s father has not been around since she was very young and she has no siblings.
Jamie has repeatedly been the victim of sexual abuse and assault by her mother’s boyfriend. She is only reporting this now because she found out that she is now pregnant as a result of the assaults.
Jamie came to a free, confidential clinic where services that are offered do not require a health card or disclosure of any personal information. She did not want to address the issue of the sexual assault however, wanted to get an abortion. You suspected her to be a victim of rape and after developing a relationship with her, she revealed to you that this in fact was correct.
Jamie does not want to charge her mother’s boyfriend with anything and she definitely does not want the police involved. Jamie has expressed to you how important it is that her mother does not find out about the incidents. She reveals to you that she has just recently started to get along with her mother better and thinks this will cause a break in their relationship that is already rocky.
Forensic nurses' society of canada principles
- Violence is a healthcare issue;
- Violence is preventable;
- Nurses have a vital role in reducing the negative consequences of violence;
- All victims and perpetrators of violence have a right to comprehensive health care;
- Comprehensive forensic nursing requires evidence based practices; and
- Interprofessional collaboration with the focus on the client's best interests at the core.
Questions to Consider...
Consider the principle beliefs of the Forensic Nurses’ Society of Canada when answering the following questions.
- What is the most important aspect in this case?
- How can you as a forensic nurse stay true to your legal obligations of reporting this incident as well as collaborate with Jamie in order to sustain the relationship you have developed with her?
- What are some elements you would include in Jamie’s care plan? Consider physical, mental, and emotional health.