A comprehensive sexual assault or intimate partner violence investigation requires detectives to incorporate a wide variety of tactics, including suspect medical forensic exams. While much attention is given to victim-centered forensic examinations, suspect exams remain an essential yet often underutilized investigative tool. Suspect exams can play a crucial role in evidence collection, case resolution, and justice outcomes. These exams focus on identifying potential forensic evidence, documenting injuries, and assessing biological material that may link a suspect to a crime.

This presentation will explore the purpose, barriers, and recommendations for suspect medical forensic exams, examining how forensic nurses, law enforcement, and legal professionals collaborate in their execution. Topics will include standards for evidence collection, the role of forensic biology, challenges in conducting these exams, and ethical considerations in balancing investigative needs with medical ethics. Case studies will highlight how suspect exams have influenced legal proceedings, contributed to forensic analysis, and supported justice efforts.

By understanding the significance and limitations of suspect forensic exams, professionals can enhance investigative approaches and ensure comprehensive forensic evaluation in sexual assault and intimate partner violence cases.

Objectives:

• Discuss the importance of a suspect medical forensic exam
• Examine considerations for implementing suspect medical forensic exams
• Overview of suspect medical forensic exams process

PRESENTERS 

Jaclyn Rodriguez is a practicing SANE and CEO of ForMed Insight LLC, providing forensic and emergency medicine consulting services. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Loyola University Chicago. She has been practicing as an Emergency Room Nurse since 2003 and as a SANE since 2005. Jaclyn is a certified SANE-A, SANE-P, and IVSE-C. Jaclyn has provided education to over 25,000 healthcare providers, law enforcement, advocates, and others on topics related to sexual assault and forensic nursing. As Statewide SANE Coordinator, she participated in writing key pieces of legislation that are shaping the care of sexual assault patients throughout Illinois, including legislation for law enforcement, hospitals, and health care professionals. She developed evidence-based, traumainformed, victim-centered training to improve the response for sexual assault patients by multi-disciplinary professionals. She is an active member of the Academy of Forensic Nursing, Emergency Nurses Association, and End Violence Against Women International. Jaclyn participates in multidisciplinary teams throughout Illinois related to sexual assault and human trafficking. She has provided expert witness testimony on sexual assault, trauma, and non-fatal strangulation.

Christina Sinclair, DNP, RN, TNS, CEN, SANE-A, TCRN, is the former Forensic Healthcare Program Manager at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center. She has served as a clinical preceptor for forensic nursing for both the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the military Interservice Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examiner course. Christina is board-certified in Emergency, Forensic, and Trauma nursing. She earned a master’s in nursing science degree with a focus on education and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice with a focus on educational leadership.

Enduring Modules - This module originated on 07/08/202026 and will remain available for CE credit through 09/30/2026

Criteria for Successful Completion:

Live attendees must join the zoom link via the LMS site, be logged in for a minimum of 90% of the session, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded. 

Recordings of the live session will be made available within one week of the live date. 

Asynchronous attendees must utilize the LMS to obtain resource information (if available), view 100% of recording(s), complete all modules, and successfully complete the attestation and evaluation. Upon completion, a CE certificate for 1.25 contact hours will be awarded.

No relevant financial relationships exist for any individuals in a position to control content of this educational activity.

NOTE:

The Academy of Forensic Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.