Male Help-Seeking After Sexual Assault: A Series of Case Studies Informing Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Practice.

BACKGROUND: A series of three composite case studies of cisgender men who presented to an emergency department for care after experiencing a sexual assault are presented. These cases show common assault characteristics including substance use, force, and multiple perpetrators. METHODS: We describe the sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) findings and treatment and provide legal details of specific cases when available. RESULTS: These case reports highlight common challenges to help-seeking and the primary reasons these male victims overcame the barriers to seek care. DISCUSSION: SANEs are encouraged to provide consistent care to all sexual assault patients, regardless of gender. SANEs have an obligation to educate peers and broader society about sexual assault prevention and to advocate for policies that encourage help-seeking when a sexual assault has occurred.

Forensic Nursing State of the Science: Research and Practice Opportunities.

INTRODUCTION: The International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) is the only nursing organization advancing the forensic nursing specialty. The organization seeks to advance the profession, and one mechanism for doing so is development of a research agenda. METHODS: The purpose of this action-based research study was to aid in the development of a forensic nursing research agenda. The study was carried out in two integral stages: (a) focus groups with IAFN members attending the annual conference and (b) reviewing posted IAFN member listserv material. RESULTS: The findings of this study identified similar gaps of other nursing specialties experiencing "growing pains," including role confusion and variation in educational preparation. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study will inform development of the IAFN 5-year research agenda to advance forensic nursing science and evidence-based practice.

Global Voyeurism or Sustainable Ethical Practice?

This is a conceptual article exploring global voyeurism and service, overlaying ethical considerations in service within the profession of forensic nursing. Key elements considered include examining and reflecting on personal motivations, benefits, and consequences of service when viewed through an ethical perspective. Through this article we seek to examine the relationships between poverty tourism and service, while better supporting individual forensic nurses in their quest to align their actions with the ethical and practice comportment standards within the profession of nursing service globally. We include definition of terms, including professional identity, ethics and social justice, poverty tourism and voyeurism, global and professional service, cultural humility, partnerships, and trusting relationships. We conclude with implications, and considerations for forensic nursing.

Forensic nurses' experiences of receiving child abuse disclosures.

PURPOSE: A child's self-disclosure of abuse is a critical component in initiating intervention to stop abuse and decrease the likelihood of long-term negative outcomes. This study described the context in which child abuse victims disclosed to forensic nurses. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thirty interviews were conducted at the International Forensic Nurses Scientific Assembly 2007 and then analyzed using narrative inquiry methodology. RESULTS: Five themes emerged: child-friendly environment, building rapport, engaged listening, believing unconditionally, and the potential for false disclosures. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses can provide an environment that allows a child the perception of limitless time to share their unique stories.