In the spring of 2022, McLeod Health launched its Forensic Nurse Examiner program. Now, victims of sexual assault in the Pee Dee have access to personalized, trauma-informed care without having to leave the region.

Until last year, victims of sexual violence in the Pee Dee had to travel to Columbia or Charleston to receive a forensic exam. Hundreds of women have made this extremely difficult journey over the years, but what is perhaps even more distressing is the number of women who chose not to do so. The socioeconomic burdens faced by many Pee Dee residents and the debilitating nature of sexual assault itself have prevented an untold number of victims from seeking treatment altogether.

“The need for this program is clearly there,” said Shannon Scott, Coordinator of the McLeod Forensic Nurse Examiner program. “Our first pediatric patient was just three years old.”

In addition to providing care in a compassionate and understanding manner, forensic nurses are trained on evidence collection, victim advocacy and courtroom testimony. Their duties do not end when the patient is discharged; these nurses connect victims to community resources to help them through their long-term recoveries and guide them through subsequent legal proceedings.

Studies have shown that victims receiving forensic nursing care have higher satisfaction, better outcomes and less trauma than those who do not. Also, offenders who hurt them are more likely to receive convictions.

“Our focus is the patient,” Shannon says. “And our overriding goal throughout this process is to not add to the patient’s trauma. This is what ‘trauma-informed care’ means.”

McLeod Health now offers 24/7/365 forensic nurse coverage. Learn more about our program.