Forensic Nursing

Carilion Clinic is dedicated to caring for patients–even through the worst circumstances. Our forensic nurses provide medical services to patients of all ages and genders who have experienced physical violence or sexual assault.

Evaluation Process

The evaluation process may differ slightly depending on the location and severity of the assault. Our forensic team's priority is to offer compassionate care and treatment to our patients. We focus on gathering information that will be needed to protect victims of assault.

  • After a patient arrives in the Emergency Department, proper identification is made and a triage/life threats review is performed. All patients will receive a physician evaluation and care for any injuries.
  • The patient is interviewed to gather details about how and when the incident occurred (history of the event).
  • A physical exam is performed including a full skin assessment to collect and preserve evidence.
  • Our forensic team develops written and photographic documentation of injuries.
  • The incident is reported to proper authorities, including law enforcement officials, with consent from the victim, as appropriate.
  • Medication to prevent sexually transmitted infections can be administered in cases of sexual assault and rape, as appropriate.
  • Crisis intervention is provided through community-based support resources, including rape crisis centers.
  • The patient is discharged and referrals are recommended.

Assault Victim Assistance

Remember the following if you are assaulted:

  • Try to get somewhere safe.
  • Seek medical attention within 120 hours of sexual assault or abuse. Even if you do not want to report the assault to the police, you may have injuries that need medical attention.
  • Contact someone who can help you (a friend, police, parents or victim-advocate agency).
  • Do not bathe, shower or wipe as important evidence may be destroyed that can be collected.

If an oral assault has occurred, do not eat, drink, smoke or brush your teeth.

  • Do not change your clothes. The fibers in clothing often hold valuable evidence that may link your attacker to the assault. If you must change, place your clothes in a paper bag and bring to the hospital. If possible, bring an extra set of clothes to wear home from the hospital.
  • If you do not know your attacker, write down personal identifiers such as hair color, facial hair, skin color, height, weight, tattoos and clothing.
  • Remember, the assault was not your fault.
  • Call your local sexual assault crisis line for support and care options.

Our Locations

At select hospital locations, specially trained nurses deliver immediate crisis intervention to patients of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and abuse, physical assault and violence. For general questions, contact our Forensic Nursing Program Office (Roanoke) at 540-266-6025.

Safety Planning

Having a prepared safety plan can help in the event of increased danger. Here are some items to consider when developing a plan:

  • Call 911 right away
  • Keep a phone on you at all times if possible
  • Stay away from the kitchen and bathroom
  • Let a neighbor or coworker know so they can call for help
  • Plan an escape route and teach it to your children
  • Pack a bag with important items:
    • Two days’ change of clothes for you and your children
    • Medications
    • Important papers
    • Cash
    • An extra set of keys
  • Place the bag in a safe place or with a friend
  • Hide an extra set of car keys
  • Plan for pet care
  • Try to set money aside
  • Keep protective orders with you at all times
  • Consider temporary shelter options
  • Consider moving to a new address
  • Alter daily routines and travel habits
  • Give a copy of protective orders to your school principal
  • Give a picture of the abuser to security
  • Keep a journal with photos, voicemails and text messages from the abuser
  • Save all correspondence from the abuser
  • Get an unlisted phone number
  • Take a good self-defense course