At Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, our nurses provide one-on-one critical care to survivors of violence in a safe, nonjudgmental setting for patients of all ages and gender identities. Our goal is to prevent you from experiencing any further trauma during the process of seeking medical care following the assault/violence.
For those people who experience violence, including sexual assault, strangulation, elder abuse, domestic and intimate partner violence and suspected human trafficking, the need for confidential and timely treatment, along with support and help in creating a safety plan can make a life-saving difference.
Forensic nurses care for patients in our emergency department.
After sexual or domestic violence
To preserve forensic evidence, we want you to know that, if possible, it's important that you do not change your clothes, shower, eat, or drink before you see a forensic nurse examiner. Bring an extra pair of clothes and come directly to the emergency department.
Reporting violence to law enforcement is not a requirement. However, survivors, can provide a statement at the hospital if they wish to do so in a safe space.
How forensic nurses help
Forensic nurses promptly provide private and confidential treatment while protecting survivors from further harm. Available services include:
- Treating, assessing and documenting injuries
- Providing crisis intervention
- Collecting, documenting and preserving evidence, if desired by the patient, in a timely and compassionate manner by professional forensic nurses
- Evaluating and offering prophylactic (preventive) treatment for sexually transmitted diseases
- Evaluating pregnancy risk and providing prevention support
- Providing appropriate referrals for follow-up medical care, counseling, and safe discharge planning for survivors
What happens when you arrive at the emergency department
We recognize that this is a distressing time, and our team is here to provide you with the care and support you need. Forensic nursing care is streamlined as much as possible so survivors do not have to wait too long for help.
At the ER, providers will check your vital signs and address immediate medical concerns.
If you choose to proceed, the forensic nurse examiner then conducts a medical forensic examination.
A medical forensic examination is entirely voluntary, and our top priority is to ensure your safety, well-being, and comfort while preventing further trauma.
You may consent to the examination and still choose to decline any part of it - or the entire process - at any time.
Injury documentation for legal support
Forensic nurses are trained to provide compassionate injury documentation for people seeking legal action. A medical forensic examination isn't required, but it can help a case if a survivor wants to pursue legal action.
To collect evidence, we will use a colposcopy, a highly light microscope, for a vaginal exam.
Those who choose to have evidence collected using a physical evidence recovery kit have options about how it is released or stored. If they are not ready to submit it, the evidence can be kept on file for future use if they are prepared to report their experience later.
Medications and other tests:
After undergoing a medical exam, you may receive preventive medication for HIV and testing and treatment for other sexually transmitted infections.
- Acyclovir
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat genital herpes. It is used to treat viruses - not bacterial infections. Acyclovir comes in a capsule or tablet form. Follow the directions on the prescription bottle. Remember to take all of your prescribed medication, even if you feel better. Don't skip doses or stop too early.
Drink six to eight glasses of water every day that you are taking the medication to prevent side effects, which can include diarrhea, nausea, and headaches.
- Hepatitis A
You may be tested for hepatitis A, a liver infection caused by a virus. It can be spread through sex, food, or liquid contaminated with the virus. Symptoms of hepatitis A include fatigue, nausea, a discolored urine or stool, jaundice, itchy skin, and joint pain. Sometimes, no symptoms occur. Viral medication is not used to treat hepatitis A. The virus usually goes away on its own in weeks or months. A hepatitis A vaccine can prevent the virus from spreading to you.
- Emergency contraception
Emergency contraception must be used as soon as possible after unprotected sex and within five days after sex. The medication comes in a few different hormonal combinations. A nonhormonal copper device inserted into the uterus, called an intrauterine device (IUD), can also prevent conception. Your provider will talk with you about the best option for you.
Empathetic and compassionate help that includes follow-up care
Forensic nurses also provide discharge plans that include information on financial assistance and follow-up steps for retesting, care for new or worsening injuries, and connections to advocates for legal and safety support.
We also collaborate with the following local agencies: