Receiving a Forensic Medical Exam Without Participating in the Criminal Justice Process: What Will it Mean?

• NCJ Number: 235291
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Nursing Volume: 6 Issue: 2 Dated: Summer 2010 Pages: 74-87
• Author(s): Bonnie Price, M.S.N., R.N., SANE-A, SANE-P
• Date Published: 2010
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reviews the changes to the 2005 Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and what it means to victims of rape.

Abstract

As a result of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization of 2005, State Governments must develop processes by which victims of sexual assault can receive a forensic medical exam without being required to cooperate with law enforcement, or participate in the criminal justice system. The benefits and barriers of five different models are reviewed: nonreport evidence collection, anonymous report, confidential mandated reporting, victimless prosecution or nonparticipation approach, and the military model of restricted and unrestricted reporting. As a result of VAWA mandates, hospitals and forensic nursing programs are confronted with additional issues related to evidence handling, transfer, and storage. Implications: Forensic nurses will play an important role in bringing their individual jurisdictions into compliance with the VAWA mandates. (Published Abstract)