Survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, elder abuse, and gun violence in south metro Denver once again have access to a 24/7 Forensic Nurse Examiner program at AdventHealth Littleton, offering round-the-clock, trauma-informed medical exams and forensic documentation. Specially trained nurses are on call at all hours to treat injuries, collect evidence, and work with advocates and law enforcement, so survivors can focus on healing while keeping their legal options open.
What the program offers
The Forensic Nurse Examiner (FNE) service blends medical care with forensic protocols in a single visit. Nurses conduct trauma-informed exams, collect and preserve DNA and other evidence, and document injuries in detailed charts that can later be used by investigators and prosecutors. To reduce the risk of re-traumatization, the hospital has turned a standard exam room into a quieter, more private space with soft lighting, aromatherapy, and home-style touches. Local law enforcement and victim advocates attended the relaunch, according to Denver7.
Survivor-led care and staffing
Assistant Nurse Manager Lorna Leader, who helps oversee the program, told reporters she is also a survivor, which makes the work deeply personal. "We take DNA evidence, and those go to a lab," the leader said in an interview with CBS Colorado. She added that nurses ask for consent at every point in the exam and sit eye-level with patients to help restore a sense of control.
Evidence collection and court support
Staff members note that every forensic chart and piece of collected evidence is prepared so it can support a criminal case if a survivor decides to press charges. Forensic nurses may later be called to testify, relying on their documentation to help explain injuries and evidence to a jury. The FNE program had been paused during AdventHealth Littleton's disaffiliation from Centura in 2023 and has now returned to full, continuous coverage, Denver7 reports.
How SANE programs operate locally
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and forensic nursing programs are designed so survivors do not have to choose between getting medical attention and preserving evidence. According to Denver Health, SANE units in the region provide 24/7 access to specially trained nurses who coordinate with advocacy organizations to improve evidence collection and patient outcomes.
Timing and community response
The relaunch landed during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and just ahead of Denim Day on April 29, when hospitals, advocates, and survivors put a spotlight on prevention, accountability, and support services. CBS Colorado covered the Wednesday relaunch and noted that the timing helps raise the profile of available resources.
Where survivors can get help
AdventHealth Littleton lists its campus at 7700 South Broadway in Littleton and directs callers to its main switchboard at 303-730-8900 for information about the FNE service via AdventHealth Littleton. For confidential, 24/7 support and referrals, survivors can call RAINN at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN or reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) through TheHotline.org. Denver District Attorney victim services also outline advocacy and compensation options for victims on the DA's Victim Assistance pages at DenverDA.org.
