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In British Columbia, a growing chorus of experts is urging the provincial government to bolster funding for forensic nursing services, highlighting significant disparities in access for survivors of intimate partner violence. Amanda McCormick, an associate professor at the University of the Fraser Valley, underscored the pressing need for improved service delivery during a recent symposium in Abbotsford focused on the often-overlooked issue of non-fatal strangulation.
The Hidden Crisis of Strangulation
Strangulation, a severe form of intimate partner violence, often leaves no visible marks yet can lead to critical health issues, including brain injuries. McCormick emphasised that forensic nurses possess the specialised training necessary to identify and treat such injuries through comprehensive medical examinations. These professionals are adept at documenting evidence in a manner that adheres to legal standards, ensuring that survivors have viable options should they choose to report their experiences to law enforcement.
“Most physicians lack the same depth of legal training as forensic nurses,” McCormick noted. “Forensic nurses uniquely bridge the healthcare and legal systems. They can conduct forensic examinations and securely store collected evidence for an extended period, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about reporting.”
The Role of Forensic Nurses
Adrienne Olszewski, a forensic nurse specialist, reinforced the critical function of forensic examiners during the conference. She explained that their role is to facilitate the intersection of medical and legal care, ensuring that survivors receive both trauma-informed support and effective medical attention. While the Canadian Forensic Nurses Association advocates for training among physicians and nurse practitioners in forensic examination, Olszewski highlighted a significant challenge: the time-intensive nature of such exams.
“I find it hard to envision physicians dedicating four to twelve hours for these assessments, given the demanding nature of their roles,” she stated. Alarmingly, current statistics reveal that only 10 per cent of patients in Canada have access to these vital examinations.
Addressing Service Gaps
McCormick pointed out that forensic nurses often serve on a casual basis, resulting in service shortages across the province. “We urgently need funding to establish forensic nurses who are available 24/7, ready to respond to various forms of gender-based violence,” she asserted in a follow-up interview.
Notably, northern British Columbia lacks any forensic nursing services, while in regions like the B.C. Interior, such professionals are primarily engaged in sexual assault cases. This leaves victims of intimate partner violence without essential forensic support unless their circumstances fall under a specific category.
“This is troubling,” McCormick remarked. “Research consistently indicates a strong correlation between partner abuse and strangulation, which is a primary predictor of future femicide. Yet, individuals experiencing these forms of violence often have nowhere to turn unless they reside within the Fraser Health Authority.”
The Fraser Health Model
Tiffany Kafka, a forensic nurse operating within Fraser Health, echoed McCormick’s concerns, noting that Fraser Health is currently the only region in B.C. with fully funded forensic nursing positions available on-site in hospitals. Outside of Fraser Health, access remains limited, particularly in northern areas.
Efforts are underway to implement a virtual care system in B.C., which allows forensic nurses to guide practitioners remotely in evidence collection. While this could potentially address challenges faced in rural or remote settings, Olszewski cautioned that the integrity of such evidence in legal contexts has yet to undergo thorough evaluation.
Fraser Health is piloting a programme in Surrey and Abbotsford, where forensic nurses are on-site from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with on-call support overnight. McCormick reported an astonishing 183 per cent increase in demand for forensic nursing services in Abbotsford over the past year, demonstrating the critical need for timely and accessible care.
Why it Matters
The call for enhanced forensic nursing services in British Columbia highlights a significant gap in the support available to survivors of intimate partner violence. With the alarming prevalence of strangulation as a precursor to more severe forms of violence, ensuring that all regions have access to trained forensic nurses is imperative. By addressing these disparities, the province can make substantial strides in protecting vulnerable individuals and fostering a more equitable healthcare landscape for those affected by violence.
