For thousands of years, physical and emotional abuse has shadowed human history. But today, in the 21st century, we have tools our ancestors never did — tools that allow us to speak out, take action, prevent harm, and support those in need.
No woman should have to cry silently in the bathroom, hiding her tears beneath the sound of running water, afraid to tell a friend or her mother. Abuse is not only humiliation or physical violence from a man; it can also be female aggression, as well as any form of coercion and emotional pressure. Humiliation, cruelty, and violence are no longer accepted as “normal behind closed doors” in relationships. However, acknowledging the problem does not make it disappear. Now, we are learning to talk about violence and to fight it.
REACH of Macon County dedicates significant resources and effort to help victims of abuse, and earlier this month, the organization launched a forensic nursing initiative the community had long needed.
Another level of service
According to the International Association of Forensic Nursing, “Forensic nurses provide specialized care for patients who are experiencing acute and long-term health consequences associated with victimization or violence, and/or have unmet evidentiary needs relative to having been victimized or accused of victimization.”
Through advocacy, shelter, prevention education, and now forensic nursing services, REACH, founded in 1989, is committed to “ensuring safety, healing, and justice for all survivors.” Behind REACH’s mission of providing “comprehensive services to individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking,” stands a diverse team that includes nurses, a private practice physician (ensuring confidentiality), legal advocates, trained volunteers, and individuals who have personally experienced abuse.
The unique “on-site forensic nursing program offering trauma-informed care in a private, supportive setting” was unveiled in July. The program focuses on safety, healing, and justice for every survivor.
Trained Forensic Nurse Examiners provide 24/7 services such as sexual assault forensic exams, injury documentation, evidence collection, prophylactic medications, referrals to advocacy, legal, and medical support, as well as emotional care in a calm, non-clinical environment — the latter of which is something critically important for survivors.
A large percentage of abuse victims avoid seeking help due to the lack of privacy, absence of emotional support, long wait times, or fear of large medical bills. REACH addresses all these issues with its forensic nursing program, which requires no insurance, offers complete privacy, and delivers professional, survivor-focused care. In fact, REACH’s forensic nursing program is about respect and an individual approach. Survivors are not required to report to law enforcement or go to a hospital emergency room if they choose not to. Professional, trauma-informed help will still be provided.
For more information about receiving help, volunteering, or making a donation to REACH, visit reachofmaconcounty.org or call (828)369-5544.