According to the Orlando Crime statistics, the number of violent crimes and assault has remained stable, unlike burglaries and theft that have decreased over the years. Violent crimes can highly traumatize the victims. Victims face medical problems and other health complications. Domestic violence is a common cause of hospital admission for assault and strangulation is very commonly observed assault. Many victims may lose conscientiousness during the attack. ("American Association of Colleges of Nursing | Violence as a Public Health Problem", 2016)
Managing the environment can be a good way to prevent violent crimes. Every member of the community has a responsibility towards making their environment safe (Pain, 2014). Maintaining vigilance and reporting crime that is noticed in the neighborhood is important in preventing domestic crimes (Pain, 2014). The nurse is bound by duty to report assault cases to the police or the law enforcement wing.
Creating awareness is an important way of preventing violent crimes. Women, children and elderly become easy victims of such crime. Forensic nurses can contribute to reducing violent crimes by correct identification of cases of assault and by reporting the crime. Use of drugs, is a common cause of violent crimes ("Alcohol, Drug and Crime", 2016). Through public education and community workshops, nurses can create awareness about the ill effects of drugs. Policy changes are also required to prevent drug trafficking, sales and its use in the community.
Forensic nurses are trained in the skill of identifying injuries caused by violent crimes and in reporting these crimes. They can play leadership role in developing or influencing health care policies, social policies, nurses practice acts and legislation. In addition, forensic nurses can also educate the public on law issues and about nurse’s attorney. They can represent the client and act as client advocate in the event of violent crime reporting.
References
Alcohol, Drug and Crime. (2016). Ncadd.org. Retrieved 20 July 2016, from https://www.ncadd.org/about-addiction/alcohol-drugs-and-crime
American Association of Colleges of Nursing | Violence as a Public Health Problem. (2016).Aacn.nche.edu. Retrieved 20 July 2016, from http://www.aacn.nche.edu/publications/position/violence-problem
Pain, R. (2014). Everyday terrorism: Connecting domestic violence and global terrorism. Progress In Human Geography, 38(4), 531-550. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0309132513512231
