WHEREAS, violence remains a persistent health concern; and

WHEREAS, more than two million people are treated for violence-related injuries each year in the United States; and

WHEREAS, forensic nurses serve as a crucial link between the medical and legal needs of patients who have experienced violence; and

WHEREAS, patients who experience violence may sustain physical injuries as well as acute and chronic health conditions, including sexually transmitted infections, HIV, substance misuse, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation; and

WHEREAS, forensic nurses are essential to Virginia’s health care system, providing trauma-informed care to populations affected by violence and trauma across the lifespan; and

WHEREAS, forensic nurses care for a wide range of patient populations, including those who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, elder or child abuse, and human trafficking; and

WHEREAS, forensic nurses foster an understanding of the health consequences of violence and trauma, promote effective interventions, and support prevention efforts in individuals, families, and communities; and

WHEREAS, forensic nurses work independently and collaboratively within health care and multidisciplinary community systems, ensuring that care extends from the clinical setting to the courtroom; and

WHEREAS, forensic nurses partner with a broad network of professionals and organizations, including Tribal entities, advocacy groups, law enforcement, military branches, and legal counsel; and

WHEREAS, forensic nursing has been formally recognized as a specialty practice area since 1995 and continues to play a critical role in addressing gaps in health care related to violence intervention, reduction of long-term health consequences, and prevention;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize November 7, 2025, as FORENSIC NURSES DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.