Meet Sarah, Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) and Regional Program Coordinator in the Saint John area.
An FNE is a specially trained registered nurse who provides comprehensive, trauma-informed care to individuals who have experienced sexual violence, intimate partner violence, or child maltreatment. FNEs are trained to address medical needs, carefully document findings, and collect evidence that may support a patient if they choose to engage with the legal system.
“Our goal is to create an environment where patients feel a sense of control, dignity, and support, recognizing that these are essential components of both immediate care and long-term healing,” said Sarah.
For Sarah, compassionate care is about meeting survivors exactly where they are without judgment, without pressure, and with true respect for their autonomy. Her role is not to direct their choices, but to support them in making the decisions that feel right for them.
Within the health care system, FNEs collaborate with emergency departments, infectious disease specialists, and mental health teams to address both immediate and ongoing medical needs. They connect with community partners such as community-based sexual violence coordinators, counselling services, victim services, child protection, and law enforcement at the patient’s discretion.
“Sexual Violence Awareness Month highlights the collective responsibility not only of the health care system, but also the community, to create safer, more responsive systems of care, and to ensure that every survivor is met with dignity and supported in their healing,” she said.
Join us in thanking Sarah and Horizon’s team of FNEs during Sexual Violence Awareness Month.
