White Rock, B.C. – In the aftermath of sexual assault or intimate partner violence, survivors are often left navigating not only emotional and physical trauma, but also difficult decisions about what to do next. One of the most critical decisions is whether to seek medical care, and if so, who is there to help, which matters deeply.

At Fraser Health sites, specially trained Forensic Nurse Examiners (FNEs) are available to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to survivors. These nurses are not only medical professionals but also advocates who help patients understand their options and support them every step of the way.

In a recent video from Fraser Health, host Zahra Premji walks viewers through what to expect when visiting a hospital after experiencing a sexual assault or partner violence. The video offers a helpful overview of the process, but its most powerful message is clear: you have options, and you are not alone.

FNEs are currently located at Surrey Memorial Hospital and Abbotsford Regional Hospital, but support is accessible at all Fraser Health sites. If a survivor arrives at another location, such as Peace Arch Hospital, they will still receive support and can be transferred to a site with a forensic nurse if medically stable.

FNEs provide care to anyone aged 13 and older within seven days of a violent incident. Their services include:

  • Medical assessment and treatment
  • Forensic evidence collection (if the patient chooses)
  • Emotional support
  • Referrals to community resources

Most importantly, every step is based on the survivor’s consent. Whether or not to involve police, undergo a forensic exam, or receive certain treatments is entirely up to the individual. As Nurse Practitioner Hannah Varto puts it, “We can’t change the past, but maybe we can help things get better now.”

Recent statistics from the B.C. government highlight the urgency of this care:

  • 37% of women and 11% of men in B.C. report being sexually assaulted since age 15, the highest rates in Canada.
  • Only 5% of women that experience sexual assault report to the police.
  • Sexual assault accounts for 11% of all criminal victimization offences.

These numbers reflect a crisis that is often hidden and underreported. With the support of forensic nurses, survivors can begin to reclaim their agency and access the care they deserve.

Whether you choose to report your experience or not, Fraser Health’s forensic nurses, and hospitals like Peace Arch, are here to support you with care, privacy, and compassion that centers around your choices.