History of the Association

In 1992, 72 registered nurses—mostly sexual assault nurse examiners—came together to form the International Association of Forensic Nurses. This founding group envisioned an organization that would encompass the depth and breadth of those who practice nursing where the heathcare system and the legal system intersect. Nurses who apply concepts, strategies, and interventions to victims of violent crime and perpetrators of criminal acts fall within this dynamic field of practice. This includes nurses in roles as diverse as death investigators, correctional nurse specialists, forensic psychiatric nurses, legal nurse consultants, forensic geriatric specialists, nurse attorneys, forensic clinical nurse specialists, forensic gynecology nurses, and those who work in other settings as forensic practice evolves.

Violence as a Healthcare Issue

In 1985, the U.S. Surgeon General identified violence as a healthcare issue and healthcare providers as key agents in ameliorating the effects of violence in our communities. The health consequences of violence have become one of the most pressing problems in health and safety, and require a multidisciplinary approach. Today, forensic nurses are recognized as a previously untapped resource in anti-violence strategies and as a critical link in the administration of justice.

Standards and Education

Because this is still a pioneering effort, roles and definitions, as well as educational programs, are continuously being identified and created. The Association has developed standards that provide a framework that is flexible and does not unnecessarily restrict nursing practice, including the Forensic Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, as well as various Education Guidelines, such as the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Education Guidelines (adult/adolescent and pediatric).

The Association seeks to advance forensic nursing practice and incorporate forensic nursing science into basic and graduate nursing programs in colleges and universities around the globe. In 2002, we began offering the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Adult/Adolescent certification (SANE-A) and in 2006, began offering the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner-Pediatric (SANE-P) certification. In both certifications, candidates sit for a written exam.