NCJ Number
220798
Journal
Journal of Forensic Nursing Volume: 3 Issue: 3 & 4 Dated: Fall/Winter 2007 Pages: 101-111
Date Published
2007
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article provides an overview of potentially effective interventions for poverty, crime, and the human condition in developed and developing countries which have been examined and researched by experts in forensic nursing.
Abstract
The theorem of forensic nursing science addresses the central issue to all health care delivery and promotion (physical, mental, cultural, and social well-being), which includes prevention. Forensic nursing science and the global agenda on poverty and human development should address commitment to education, research, and early intervention to help reduce and prevent the negative consequences associated with crime-related violence. Public health is a science-based system of great value to citizens of every country through its philosophies of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and intervention of health. Public health also includes the protection of civil criminal and human rights through the legal aspects of patient care. To meet these needs, forensic nursing has had to redefine contemporary holistic care to include the body, mind, and spirit, and now the law. The inclusion of both health and justice services produces the medico-legal concept from which forensic nursing practice has evolved. Since forensic medicine has long been considered a respected component of public health, forensic nursing by its very nature has inherited this esteemed association with existing public health services, both domestic and abroad. Forensic nurse examiners have evolved in response to the needs of a world in crisis and should be integrated into any multi-sector investigative team consisting of health care professionals, law enforcement officers, forensic scientists, social science advocates, and representatives from human rights organizations. An experienced practitioner can provide critical assistance in identifying and analyzing social factors related to violence, murder, suicide, sexual abuse, disease, and criminal acts that threaten the lives of those who exist under destructive social conditions such as poverty. Forensic nurses are also in a position to implement the initiatives associated with preventing and managing certain types of violence which is the first and most crucial step toward eliminating the problems associated with global poverty. Tables, references