Expanding Clinical Forensic Care: Nurse‑Led IPV/DFV Injury Documentation Model in the ACT
Tracks
Ballroom 2: In-Person Only
| Tuesday, November 24, 2026 |
| 10:45 AM - 11:05 AM |
| Ballroom 2 |
Overview
Sarah Quercini & Cassandra Noble, Clinical Forensic Medical Services
Three Key Learnings
1. Expanding service models can address gaps in IPV/DFV care
The trial highlights how adapting existing forensic services to include non-police pathways for injury documentation helps address unmet needs among IPV/DFV survivors, especially those who might otherwise miss out on specialist assessment.
2. Nurse-led services can improve access and capacity
Introducing a nurse-led injury documentation service increases accessibility and system capacity. By enabling forensic nurse examiners to lead assessments and documentation, the model broadens entry points (e.g., GP, social services referrals) and reduces barriers to timely, specialist care.
3. Early documentation preserves future legal options
Even though the service is not designed for full forensic evidence collection, it still produces high-quality medico-legal documentation (including photography). This helps preserve potential evidence, giving patients the flexibility to pursue legal action later if they choose.
Speaker
Dr Sarah Quercini
Deputy Director, Staff Specialist, Clinical Forensic Medicine
Clinical Forensic Medical Services
Expanding Clinical Forensic Care: Nurse‑Led IPV/DFV Injury Documentation Model in the ACT
Presentation Overview
The Clinical Forensic Medical Services (CFMS) model in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) represents a well-established, specialist, and patient-centred approach to the assessment and management of individuals affected by sexual assault and interpersonal violence. In addition to sexual assault care, the model has long supported injury documentation for individuals reporting to police following physical assault, including intimate partner violence (IPV) and domestic and family violence (DFV).
To further enhance accessibility and patient autonomy, CFMS is planning to implement a trial of an expanded model of care: a dedicated, nurse-led injury documentation service for adults who have experienced IPV or DFV-related physical assault. A key feature of this trial is that the service is accessible to individuals who have not reported — and may not wish to report — to police, reflecting a commitment to patient empowerment and informed decision-making.
Operating during business hours, the service accepts referrals from a broad range of providers, including general practitioners, social workers, psychologists, and domestic violence crisis services. Forensic nurse examiners (FNEs) lead the service, conducting high-quality injury documentation including photography and medico-legal reporting. While not intended for forensic evidence collection, this approach preserves potential evidence should patients choose to engage with the legal system at a later stage. A supporting medical team ensures comprehensive medico-legal capability, addressing the limitations nurses face in providing opinion evidence.
This trial aims to increase service capacity, reduce barriers to specialist care, and support individuals experiencing IPV/DFV to understand and preserve their future legal options. It represents a meaningful evolution of the CFMS model — one that centres patient autonomy at the complex intersection of healthcare and forensic need.
To further enhance accessibility and patient autonomy, CFMS is planning to implement a trial of an expanded model of care: a dedicated, nurse-led injury documentation service for adults who have experienced IPV or DFV-related physical assault. A key feature of this trial is that the service is accessible to individuals who have not reported — and may not wish to report — to police, reflecting a commitment to patient empowerment and informed decision-making.
Operating during business hours, the service accepts referrals from a broad range of providers, including general practitioners, social workers, psychologists, and domestic violence crisis services. Forensic nurse examiners (FNEs) lead the service, conducting high-quality injury documentation including photography and medico-legal reporting. While not intended for forensic evidence collection, this approach preserves potential evidence should patients choose to engage with the legal system at a later stage. A supporting medical team ensures comprehensive medico-legal capability, addressing the limitations nurses face in providing opinion evidence.
This trial aims to increase service capacity, reduce barriers to specialist care, and support individuals experiencing IPV/DFV to understand and preserve their future legal options. It represents a meaningful evolution of the CFMS model — one that centres patient autonomy at the complex intersection of healthcare and forensic need.
Biography
Dr Sarah Quercini is a Clinical Forensic Medicine Specialist and General Practitioner in the ACT, serving as Deputy Director of the Clinical Forensic Medical Service. She holds Fellowships with the Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners and the Australasian College of Legal Medicine, and has a Master of Forensic Medicine and International Public Health.
With 14 years clinical experience, Dr Quercini has expertise in sexual assault medicine, intimate partner violence, and domestic and family violence, as well as sexual and reproductive health. Her work focuses on trauma-informed, patient-centred care and improving access to forensic services within healthcare and legal systems.
