You can educate your children on the dangers of leaving their drinks unattended while at parties or even tell them why they should never, ever get into a car with a stranger. The world can be a scary place for young adults as they come of age and they aren’t always sure of who to trust. When a crime does occur, thankfully people have the assistance of law enforcement, prosecutors, and forensic nurses. At Duquesne University, students learning forensic nursing are shown how rape kits, cases of domestic violence, and other forensic elements are used to get justice for patients. Crime isn’t always preventable but studying on an online DNP program can be critical to aiding those who want to become whole again.
Why Crime Prevention Isn’t Enough
You can be as careful as you want to be but if you are targeted for a violent crime there is nothing that can be done to dissuade your assailant. Victims are often well acquainted with their attackers, therefore, it is never the victim’s fault. Parents sometimes have to deal with their children becoming victims of crimes of passion, and they also have to realize that both they and their children did what they could to stay safe. In addition to preventing crime, violent offenders have to be brought to justice and pay for their offenses. Forensic nurses help to identify clues that law enforcement uses to lodge formal complaints and charges against assailants.
Crimes and Rape Kits
When a victim is attacked, the first place they need to go is the emergency room. There, evidence is preserved and the victim can talk to a police officer within the safe and private confines of a hospital room. No matter what a victim can or cannot recall, physical evidence can fill in the gaps. From DNA to photographs of physical wounds, the evidence left behind after an attack is what is most often used to identify the guilty party. If you believe that justice needs to be served, then find out about DNP or FNP programs that can be completed online.
Support After Violent Crimes Occur
Beyond the pain and trauma that most victims of violent crimes experience, there is shock. They may be shocked that such an egregious act took place against them or even shocked that the person that attacked them was someone that they trusted. Emergency room and forensic nurses are trained to be first responders. One of their first priorities is to collect evidence, but they also work to get victims connected to counselors and specialists who can help them with the next steps.
When crimes are reported they are more likely to be prosecuted. With more criminals in jail, or at least identified as violent offenders, they cannot do harm against society. Make the world safer for the next generations by offering comfort to victims and encouraging them to speak out against their attackers. Support them as a forensic nurse, a counselor, a police officer, or simply as a concerned and loving family member.
