Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) Program

A Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) offers, with consent, a medical forensic examination including taking a patient history and doing a physical exam. The nurse will collect evidence (if wanted) based on the assault history and physical findings of the exam. They also offer photo documentation of all injuries, emergency contraception, STI/HIV prophylactic treatment as appropriate, and can testify as an expert witness.

The FNEs at UM Health-Sparrow work closely with community advocates to provide options for after care (counseling, women’s shelters) and to develop a safety plan. Your nurse can also assist you in contacting law enforcement.

Our team of forensic nurses provides specialized care for anyone who has experienced:

• Sexual or physical assault or abuse
• Intimate partner violence
• Human trafficking
• Strangulation
• Domestic violence
• Child abuse
• Vulnerable adult abuse

If you or a loved one has experienced any of the above listed traumas, you are not alone.  Our team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We provide complete emotional, physical, and psychological care in a safe and non-judgmental setting.  If you are in need of our services, please go to UM Health-Sparrow Hospital’s emergency department where you will be medically screened and the Forensic Nurse Examiner will be notified.

Sexual assault is any sexual act in which a person is forced to engage against their will. This may include unwanted touching by a stranger or someone you know. It can happen anywhere, at any time of the day. It is very important to seek a medical forensic exam as soon as possible after a sexual assault.

Our team is here to help anyone affected by assault – not only right after, but days or weeks after.

We will meet you in the emergency department and then bring you to our safe and secure patient care setting. We will talk one-on-one with you to get a complete medical history and assess you and/or your child’s needs. The FNEs care for one patient at a time, you will not be rushed through your visit. The length of your visit will vary depending on your needs. Call us anytime with any questions or to gather more information about any of the services that we provide.

Please bring your child’s favorite toy, blanket, book, or anything else that will help them feel safe. Also, make sure they are well rested and fed before the exam.  Most importantly, please explain to your child we are there to help them.

Once we have a clear picture of you and/or your child’s healthcare needs, we can help with the next steps. Your nurse will work with you closely to develop your aftercare plan and connect you with any needed resources.

Forensic Nurse Examiners at UM Health-Sparrow Lansing provide free, multi-disciplinary, comprehensive care in a safe, non-judgmental setting for patients of all ages.

We care deeply about your health and well-being. Our goal is to provide the best medical care and to support all patients during their time of need.  

No patient of sexual assault, abuse, or human trafficking will be forced or coerced into having an examination performed by anyone, including parents, law enforcement, or other entity.  

Call us anytime at 517-364-3931. Please note this is not an emergency line. If you have an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Capital Area Response Effort (CARE)
Post-arrest response team for survivors of intimate partner domestic violence and sexual assault
517-272-7436 | care.program@lansingmi.gov

End Violent Encounters (EVE)
Counseling, advocacy, shelter, and legal services for survivors of domestic abuse & sexual violence. 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Response:
517-372-5572 | www.eveinc.org

The Firecracker Foundation
Holistic healing services to children who have experienced sexual violence and their families.
517-742-7224 | www.thefirecrackerfoundation.org

Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence
Dedicated to the empowerment of all the state’s survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
24/7 hotline: 855-864-2374

Small Talk Children’s Advocacy Center
Provides coordinated services for child survivors of sexual abuse and assault.
517-253-0728 | www.smalltalkcac.org
 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
1-866-DHS-2ICE (1-866-347-2423)

National Human Trafficking Resource Center
1-888-373-7888