Forensic Nursing

The Memorial Hermann Forensic Nursing team provides compassionate, comprehensive care for adults and children affected by sexual violence. Our forensic nurse examiners are specially trained to recognize and respond to the signs, symptoms and risks of trauma caused by sexual violence.

Nationally recognized for their innovative, trauma-informed approach to treating sexual assault survivors, the team works to promote both the physical and emotional healing of victims of sexual violence through a culture of safety, empowerment and healing.

Forensic Nursing services are available 24/7 and include:

• Acute medical/forensic assessments of child, adolescent and adult sexual assault victims
• State-of-the-art medical/forensic examinations using evidence preservation techniques consistent with established guidelines
• Identification and documentation of trauma
• Providing education to other health care professionals
• Community education
• Participate in criminal trial proceedings related to the sexual assault

The Forensic Nursing team provides care for adult sexual assault patients 18 years of age and older throughout the Greater Houston area at the following Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE)-Ready Designated Memorial Hermann hospitals:

Specially trained pediatric forensic nurses care for sexually assaulted/abused children ages 17 years and younger at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, located at Memorial Hermann – TMC, a SAFE-Ready Designated facility.

Learn More »

Memorial Hermann Forensic Nursing may become involved when the sexual assault has occurred in the last five days (120 Hours). A detailed process of evaluation is followed involving multiple steps:

1. Step one: An initial evaluation by the triage nurse determines the reason for the patient's visit, obtains vital signs and documents pertinent medical history, including the history of sexual assault.
2. Step two: A medical screening exam is performed by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. This exam ensures urgent medical needs are met and any injuries requiring medical attention are addressed.
3. Step three: The hospital business office completes the patient registration process. If the patient is treated by the forensic nurse, the Crime Victims Compensation (CVC) program may reimburse a victim for a variety of costs.
   Learn more about CVC »
   Learn more about reimbursements for victims »
4. Step four: A forensic nurse completes the medical/forensic assessment addressing health and safety concerns. This process is explained to the patient and/or their parent or guardian. The patient is offered advocacy support. The medical forensic assessment begins by taking a detailed history followed by a comprehensive assessment, completion of evidence preservation, evaluation for any preventive medication and provider follow-up information.
   Additional Information for Survivors of Sexual Assault (English) »
   Additional Information for Survivors of Sexual Assault (Spanish) »

Find out more about local and national support groups that specialize in interpersonal violence issues:

• National Child Abuse Helpline
• National Domestic Violence Helpline
• National Sexual Assault Hotline
• National Human Trafficking Hotline
• Crisis Intervention of Houston
• Community Rape Crisis Centers:
  • Bay Area Turning Point
  • DAYA (Asian Families in Crisis)
  • FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling
  • Fort Bend Women's Center
  • Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC)
  • Katy Christian Ministries
  • Montgomery County Women's Center
  • The Bridge Over Troubled Waters
• The Montrose Center