We are here to help. You are not alone, and what has happened to you is not your fault.
If you are in immediate danger please call 9-1-1
About forensic nursing services
Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNE’s) are nurses with extra training. They give compassionate respectful care to people who have experienced intentional violence including sexual assault and intimate partner violence.This service is free, confidential and available to everyone regardless of citizenship or residency. You do not require Medical Services Plan coverage or proof of identification to access services provided by the Forensic Nursing team. You do not need to report to the police/RCMP to access this service.
We provide care for:
• people of all ages, cultures and genders
• child sexual and physical abuse
• sexual assault, dating violence and drug-facilitated sexual assault
• domestic or interpersonal violence
• human trafficking, exploitation
• elder abuse
Your options for care and support
If you have experienced sexual assault or intentional relationship violence within the past 7 days, you can access our services at emergency rooms and urgent care centers across Vancouver Island (see locations below). In many cases, we can also see patients beyond 7 days if there are injuries that can be documented. If you have experienced a sexual assault or intimate partner violence past the 7 days we can still document any visible physical injuries and support you with aftercare referrals and resources as well as assist with lab work if needed. Our goal is to help people who have experienced sexual assault, intimate partner violence, domestic violence and/or human trafficking by offering non judgmental medical care, resources and medical-legal support, ensuring you get the care you need and are comfortable receiving.
You are in control of your care. You can choose from:
- medical care (no forensic exam, no police report), this includes domestic violence (DV) documentation
- medical care and a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE), with injuries documented and samples stored for up to one year (no police report)
- medical care and SAFE with immediate release of samples to police, with your consent
With your consent, we can also:
- collect forensic evidence
- support communication with police or legal services
- provide medication, emergency contraception, and immunizations
- arrange referrals for follow-up care including counselling and medical needs
You do not have to go through this alone. For immediate support or to talk with someone, contact the Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888. Also see our Crisis Response page.
For immediate support call:
- Healthlink BC: 811
- 1 800 SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
- VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808
- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010
Where to find us:
Forensic Nursing Services are offered through Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centers across the Island. Please access the site closest to you and ask to see a forensic nurse examiner:
General Information on Forensic Nursing Services
Referral Required?
Not required