Interpersonal trauma has long-lasting effects on mental and physical health and is associated with acute and chronic negative health outcomes. Primary care providers can improve health care outcomes by using trauma-informed care to recognize, acknowledge, and respond appropriately to trauma survivors. Routine trauma screening in the primary care setting should be done in a safe environment and with a team approach. This article will offer guidance on screening for and responding to sexual assault and intimate partner violence using trauma-informed principles with the goal of promoting health and healing for survivors.

Following sexual assaults, victims are advised to seek health care services with forensic evidence collected and packaged in sexual assault kits (SAKs). This large ( N = 1,874), retrospective study examined rates of SAK submissions by law enforcement to the state crime laboratory for analysis from 2010 to 2013 at four sites in a Western state in the United States with established sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) programs. Variables of legal and extralegal characteristics in sexual assault cases were explored through generalized estimating equations (GEE) modeling to determine what factors statistically predicted SAK submissions. For submitted SAKs, the length of time between the dates of assault and dates of submission was categorized, and bivariate and multivariate analyses were calculated to discover legal and extralegal characteristics affecting time of submission. The study sites represented 40% of the state's law enforcement agencies and 65% of the state's population. Out of the 1,874 SAKs in the study, only 38.2% were submitted by law enforcement to the state crime laboratory for analysis. When SAK submissions were examined based on time between assaults and submission dates, 22.8% were submitted within a year of the assault and 15.4% were submitted more than a year after the assault following media and community pressure for law enforcement agencies to submit SAKs in storage. Significant variability of SAK submission rates and the time submitted from the assault dates were found between the sites. Site location was found to be the main determinant of whether or not SAKs were submitted. The lack of SAK submissions for analysis results in justice denied for victims and raises public safety concerns. The finding that the location in which the sexual assault occurred was the primary factor on SAK submissions represents an inequity of justice.

Background: Persons with severe mental illness (MI) are at a high risk of becoming victims of sexual assault (SA). Vulnerability for SA with any type of MI is unknown. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of preexisting MI and other significant factors in patients reporting preexisting MI at the time of their SA medical forensic examinations (SAMFEs). Method: A retrospective SAMFE chart review of patients (N = 7,455) from 2010 to 2020 was conducted. Sexual assault nurse examiners completed SAMFEs. Inclusion criteria included (a) aged 14 years and older, (b) completed SAMFE with SA kit evidence collection, and (c) reported to law enforcement (restricted cases not included). Descriptive statistics and chi-square analyses were completed. Findings: It was found that 46.7% of study participants reported preexisting MI and/or current use of psychotropic medications, more than double the MI prevalence rates in the general population. MI in patients seen for SAMFE was associated with prior history of SA, medical health problems, and physical or mental impairment. In addition, patients with MI reported more violent SAs with increased anogenital and nonanogenital injuries. Discussion: The high prevalence rate of any MI in patients seen for SAMFE indicates MI in varying severity is a significant vulnerability for SA. The association of preexisting MI with a history of SA, health problems, and physical or mental impairment expands understanding of associated MI factors. These findings support the development of interventions by healthcare providers and stakeholders to address SA vulnerabilities in individuals with MI.

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An evaluation of the Integrated Practice Model for Forensic Nursing Science () is presented utilizing methods outlined by . A brief review of nursing theory basics and evaluation methods by Meleis is provided to enhance understanding of the ensuing theoretical evaluation and critique. The Integrated Practice Model for Forensic Nursing Science, created by forensic nursing pioneer Virginia Lynch, captures the theories, assumptions, concepts, and propositions inherent in forensic nursing practice and science. The historical background of the theory is explored as Lynch's model launched the role development of forensic nursing practice as both a nursing and forensic science specialty. It is derived from a combination of nursing, sociological, and philosophical theories to reflect the grounding of forensic nursing in the nursing, legal, psychological, and scientific communities. As Lynch's model is the first inception of forensic nursing theory, it is representative of a conceptual framework although the title implies a practice theory. The clarity and consistency displayed in the theory's structural components of assumptions, concepts, and propositions are analyzed. The model is described and evaluated. A summary of the strengths and limitations of the model is compiled followed by application to practice, education, and research with suggestions for ongoing theory development.