Blog Post: A Word of Thanks to Our Community
DC Forensic Nurse Examiners was founded on the vision that every individual would be empowered to take control of their health and wellbeing in the aftermath of violence. It’s a lofty goal, we know. Every individual? How could that be possible? Civil rights activist John Lewis once claimed that, “If you come together with a mission, and it’s grounded with love and a sense of community, you can make the impossible possible,” and we have to agree. We are fortunate that in Washington, D.C., there are so many organizations and individuals who are dedicated to creating a blanket of care and support for survivors of violence. In the spirit of gratitude, this blog post highlights a few of the many members of our community whose work gives us hope that DCFNE’s vision is truly possible.
The First Responders
Every survivor's story is different, and there are a number of “first responders” to whom a survivor may initially disclose the traumatic events that happened to them. Some survivors may choose to contact the police directly after experiencing violence. Some may disclose to their healthcare providers after expressing concerns about pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections as the result of sexual assault. Some may speak with a sexual assault or domestic violence hotline worker to understand their options. Others may report to their local hospitals to seek care. In these situations, the people who hear these disclosures have a unique opportunity to connect survivors with crucial resources, including the free, confidential forensic exams offered by DCFNE. However our patients arrive in our exam room, we are always grateful for the community members who encouraged them to seek our services.
The Advocates
When DCFNE receives a call from dispatch that a survivor of sexual assault has requested a forensic exam, we know that an advocate from Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC) or DC Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC) is also on the way to join us at the hospital. This is because in Washington, D.C. people who have experienced sexual assault have a legal right to an advocate. Advocates are there to provide comfort, encouragement, and guidance to survivors, and assist them with navigating all of the resources available for their healing. Skilled advocates help alleviate the confusion and overwhelm that survivors may feel in the wake of violence, allowing them to make truly informed decisions about their health and well-being. Advocacy organizations including NVRDC, DCRCC, and others are a vital part of our community, and we thank them for their contributions to survivor healing.
The Shelters
When a person experiences violence, their sense of safety might be radically shaken, and they may fear returning home after the incident. Survivors of family abuse or intimate partner violence might share their home with their abuser. Survivors of sexual assault may fear that their assailants will find them and cause further harm. Whatever the case, there is a great need for safe, confidential housing for survivors of violence, and Washington, D.C. is lucky to have many outstanding options. For instance, DC SAFE is a crisis intervention agency for survivors of domestic violence that is open 24/7. The caring staff at shelters across our city, like DC SAFE, ensure that survivors have a place to call home and resources to enable their healing during the confusing aftermath of violence.
The Supporters
Non-profit organizations are funded in a variety of ways such as government grants, fundraisers, income from goods and services, and donations from supporters. Donations given to DCFNE not only help our bottomline, but also directly impact survivors! Whether it’s purchasing the supplies used during the forensic exam, helping our forensic nurses access education, or supporting our outreach events, donations make a huge difference for each person who seeks our services. But monetary donations aren’t the only way to help DCFNE! Providing in-kind goods and services, volunteering for outreach events, and even engaging with our social media accounts are all actions that help DCFNE connect with and care for survivors of violence. We are forever grateful for any contribution that our community members make in support of our work!
DCFNE is truly fortunate to be part of this community of people who are passionate about improving outcomes for survivors of violence. Our hope is that, with our combined efforts, we may one day see a world where every survivor has the resources they need to find the healing they deserve.