At a recent two-day workshop in Kolkata titled “Leading the Way: Forensic Nursing in Healthcare Settings,” on July 17, healthcare experts gathered to highlight a critical gap in India’s medical system: the absence of trained forensic nurses in handling medico-legal cases.
Currently, medical colleges do not formally deploy nursing professionals in forensic medicine departments. Instead, doctors often depend on non-medical staff for critical tasks like obtaining consent, collecting evidence, and supporting survivors of violence or sexual assault. This, experts say, can add to the trauma experienced by the victims.
As reported by The Times of India, Dr. Rina Das, Associate Professor of Forensic Medicine at RG Kar Medical College, pointed out the urgent need for change.
Survivors of abuse, especially that of sexual violence, undergo immense trauma. They need a lot of empathy to open up about the crime. With the rise in sexual crime, trained forensic nurses can play a great role in supporting these victims. Ultimately, forensic science is to help secure justice for the victims.Dr. Rina Das, Associate Professor, Forensic Medicine, RG Kar Medical College
Why Forensic Nurses Are Needed
Forensic nursing combines healthcare expertise with legal understanding. In today’s world, where crime is a harsh reality, experts say these professionals can be the bridge between the clinic and the courtroom. Nurses already play a vital role in patient care, and adding forensic training can further equip them to support survivors and contribute to the legal system.
Forensic nurses can make a real difference in several key areas, like:
Crimes Against Women: With cases on the rise, female forensic nurses can create a safer space for survivors to open up, while ensuring sensitive handling of medico-legal procedures.
Crimes Against Minors: Nurses can build trust with children and recognize subtle signs of abuse, helping intervene early and reduce long-term harm.
Elder Abuse: Older adults may hide or be unable to report violence. Forensic nurses' specialized training helps them detect signs of neglect or mistreatment, enabling timely care and reporting.
Human Trafficking: Forensic nurses are trained to identify both physical and behavioral indicators of trafficking, while also providing medical support and documenting injuries for legal use.
Substance Abuse & Drug Cases: They can assist in gathering clinical evidence and supporting patients with both medical and legal needs related to drug use or overdose.
Broader Impact and Benefits of Forensic Nursing
Forensic nurses do not just help individual victims—they strengthen the entire healthcare and legal system in India. Here’s how:
Improved Victim Care: Forensic nurses ensure both physical and psychological needs are addressed, leading to faster recovery and stronger cases.
Enhanced Legal Outcomes: Proper documentation of injuries and timely evidence collection can aid in securing convictions.
Violence Prevention & Awareness: Trained nurses can help recognize recurring abuse patterns and educate the public on reporting.
Mental Health Support: They often serve as emotional anchors for victims, especially in a country where mental health support is still stigmatized.
Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Integrating forensic nursing boosts hospital preparedness and fosters inter-professional collaboration.
Policy Development: Data gathered by forensic nurses can help shape national strategies for violence prevention and victim care.
Education and Career Path in India
Although relatively new to India, forensic nursing is gradually gaining recognition. The Indian Nursing Council has made it a mandatory subject in the BSc Nursing curriculum, and specialized postgraduate degrees are available at institutions like the National Forensic Sciences University in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Several international associations, such as the International Association of Forensic Nurses, also offer certification programs. Upon qualification, professionals can pursue roles like:
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Forensic Nurse Death Investigator
Correctional Nursing Specialist
Legal Nurse Consultant
Forensic Psychiatric Nurse
However, translating this academic progress into hospital settings remains a challenge.
Forensic nursing, already well-established in Western countries, is still emerging in India. Trained nurses can assist doctors in handling medico-legal cases, which is very much required in our healthcare system.Professor Saurabh Chattopadhyay, Head, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, NRS Medical College
As a small but promising step, NRS Medical College is now set to receive two dedicated nursing staff in its forensic department, following approval from the State Health Department.
The Way Forward
Forensic nursing can play a vital role in improving victim care and strengthening the connection between healthcare and the legal system in India. As more educational programs emerge and institutions adopt this practice, the country moves closer to better handling medico-legal cases with trained nursing professionals.
Supporting this growth will not only improve care for survivors but also help build a stronger, more responsive healthcare and justice system for all.
Reference:
1. Kalal, Nipin, Khina Sharma, Tanuj Kanchan, and Priyanshi Dixit. “Emergence of Forensic Nursing in India: A Catalyst for Change in Indian Healthcare System.” Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology 19, no. 3 (July 10, 2025): 43–51. Accessed July 19, 2025. https://doi.org/10.37506/fz46e537.
(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)