Forensic Nursing Services

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.

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.

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.

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: