[Forensic Nursing: The Fairness Doctrine, Right to Safety in Life, and Development Recommendations].

Abstract

Public concern over violence against women and children is growing, with citizens demanding tougher punishments for offenders and closely monitoring court proceedings. Poor evidence collection not only undermines the rights of victims but also increases the risk of unduly light sentences for perpetrators. In cases involving women, children, violence, or accidental harm, hospitals face two urgent legal duties: to swiftly preserve original evidence to clarify accountability and to act before the narrow window for evidence collection closes due to medical intervention. For unconscious patients, despite the necessity of evidence speaking in their stead, Taiwan's healthcare system lacks an integrated forensic nursing service, leading to insufficient and weak evidence. This is a chronic and systemic issue that erodes victim rights and contributes to lighter penalties for offenders. Forensic nursing offers a critical solution by uniting healthcare and evidence preservation under a model that is recognized and supported internationally. In 2023, the Taiwan Nurses Association launched a forensic nursing training initiative that has since gained strong support from nursing professionals. However, creating a fully dedicated forensic nursing system still faces policy and resource challenges. Achieving this goal requires sustained public engagement, multi-stakeholder advocacy, and data-driven policymaking to establish a virtuous cycle of public demand, professional capacity, and government support. A comprehensive forensic nursing system is essential to upholding citizen rights and ensuring justice for the vulnerable.