Brain injury is often an invisible disability.
Survivors may struggle with concentration, impulse control or emotional regulation.
Understanding this helps forensic HCPs deliver fair, trauma-informed care.
#BrainInjuryAwareness #HealthInequalities #UKAFNP
Forensic Friday Fact 🧬
Trace evidence such as fibres or hair can support an investigation, but it rarely proves guilt alone. Its value lies in association, not certainty, and must be interpreted alongside other findings.
#ForensicFact #ForensicScience #Evidence
In police custody, an unrecognised brain injury can present as vulnerability, irritability or poor memory.
Awareness and careful assessment by HCPs are vital for safety and safeguarding.
#BrainInjuryAwareness #ForensicHealthcare #UKAFNP
International Women’s Day 2026: Give To Gain.
When we give recognition, opportunity and visibility, we multiply impact.
Know a woman driving innovation in forensic healthcare? Nominate her for the Julie Tekin Award 💙
👉 www.ukafnp.org/julie-tekin-...
#IWD2026 #GiveToGain #UKAFNP
International Women’s Day 2026 theme: Give To Gain.
When women thrive, we all rise.
By giving time, knowledge, mentoring and advocacy, we strengthen gender equality in forensic healthcare and beyond.
What will you give to gain equality?
#IWD2026 #GiveToGain #UKAFNP
Forensic Friday Fact 🧬
Fibres can transfer during contact. Natural fibres (e.g. cotton, wool) differ microscopically from synthetic fibres (e.g. polyester, nylon). Comparing type, colour and structure can help link people, places and objects.
#ForensicFact #ForensicScience #TraceEvidence
📢 Free UKAFNP Webinar
Join UKAFNP for a practical session on giving evidence in court for forensic HCPs working in custody and SARC settings.
Clarity. Confidence. Credibility.
Learn how to handle questioning under pressure
🔗 www.ukafnp.org/events
#UKAFNP #ForensicHealthcare
📅 11 Sept 2026 | #UKAFNPConf26 | In-Person & Virtual
Substance Misuse & Vulnerability
Exploring the UK drug landscape and the vulnerabilities linked to substance use across custody & SARC pathways.
Join us for learning & practical discussion.
🔗 www.ukafnp.org/conference
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month 🧠
Every year, millions live with the impact of brain injury — from mild concussion to severe TBI.
This month is about reflection, education and advocacy.
#BrainInjuryAwareness #UKAFNP #ForensicHealthcare
Today is Zero Discrimination Day
Everyone has the right to live with dignity. This year highlights the discrimination faced by people living with or at risk of HIV.
In forensic healthcare, putting people first means stigma-free, equitable care.
#ZeroDiscriminationDay #UKAFNP
Forensic Friday Fact 🧬
Defensive injuries may occur when a person tries to protect themselves. Commonly seen on hands and forearms, they can suggest an attempt to ward off an assault, but must be interpreted carefully.
#ForensicFact #ForensicScience #PoliceCustody
Following #MentalHealthNursesDay, we want to recognise mental health nurses driving innovation in forensic healthcare.
Know someone making a real impact in custody or SARC settings?
Nominate them for the Julie Tekin Award for Innovation💙
👉 www.ukafnp.org/julie-tekin-...
#UKAFNP #ForensicHealthcare
Today is Mental Health Nurses Day 💙
We recognise the vital role mental health nurses play across custody, SARCs and forensic settings, delivering compassionate, skilled care to people at their most vulnerable.
Thank you for the difference you make every day.
#MHNursesDay #UKAFNP
Forensic Friday Fact 🧬
Blunt force injuries are caused by impact or crushing, while sharp force injuries result from cutting or stabbing. Each produces different wound patterns that can help explain how an injury occurred.
#ForensicFact #ForensicScience #ForensicPathology
Today is World Day of Social Justice
Promoting equality, inclusion and human rights is central to forensic healthcare.
FHPs advocate daily for dignity, fairness and access to care for those who are often marginalised.
#SocialJustice #UKAFNP #ForensicHealthcare
Ending sexual abuse and sexual violence requires all of us.
SARC and custody HCPs, working alongside partners, play a crucial role in support, safeguarding and advocacy.
Together, we can make a difference.
#SAAM #BreakTheSilence #SupportSurvivors #UKAFNP
Support is available.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, contact your local SARC for confidential care and advice. Help is available regardless of when the incident occurred.
#SAAM #SupportSurvivors #SexualViolenceAwareness
Survivors may not disclose immediately — or at all.
A calm, non-judgemental, trauma-informed approach by HCPs creates safety, trust and opportunities for support.
#SAAM #SupportSurvivors #BreakTheSilence #UKAFNP
Forensic Friday Fact 🧬
Bloodstain patterns can provide clues about events. Drip stains usually fall vertically under gravity, while spatter may indicate force or movement. Patterns must always be interpreted in the context of the scene.
#ForensicFact #ForensicScience #Bloodstain
Today is the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
FGM is a serious human rights violation.
Forensic HCPs play a vital role in recognition, safeguarding, documentation and referral to protect those at risk.
#EndFGM #UKAFNP #ForensicHealthcare
Consent must be freely given, informed and reversible.
Understanding consent is essential for HCPs supporting survivors and documenting care accurately in both custody and SARC settings.
#SAAM #ConsentMatters #SexualViolenceAwareness #UKAFNP
Today is #TimeToTalkDay 💬
Talking openly about mental health can reduce stigma, encourage support and even save lives.
In forensic healthcare, creating safe spaces to talk — for patients and colleagues — really matters.
#MentalHealthAwareness #UKAFNP
Custody HCPs may be the first safe professional a survivor speaks to.
Recognising disclosure, responding with compassion and ensuring safeguarding and referral can change lives.
#SAAM #BreakTheSilence #SupportSurvivors #UKAFNP
🎓 Round 1 of UKAFNP CPD & Academic Funding is now OPEN!
✔ Up to 50% funding
✔ Max £1,000 per member
✔ For accredited CPD linked to custody & SARC
⏰ Apply by 30 April
Let’s make 2026 a year of meaningful CPD
- www.ukafnp.org
#UKAFNP #CPD #ForensicHealthcare
Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provide specialist, trauma-informed care, forensic exams, and access to ongoing support — with or without police involvement.
Knowing how to refer matters.
#SAAM #SupportSurvivors #SexualViolenceAwareness #UKAFNP
As Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week begins, we recognise innovation and leadership in survivor care.
Know someone making a real difference in SARC or forensic healthcare?
Nominate them for the Julie Tekin Award💙
👉 www.ukafnp.org/julie-tekin-...
#SupportSurvivors #UKAFN
Sexual Abuse & Sexual Violence Awareness Week is about challenging myths, breaking stigma and supporting survivors.
HCPs in SARCs and custody play a vital role in recognising harm, listening and safeguarding.
#SAAM #SexualViolenceAwareness #BreakTheSilence #UKAFNP
If you’re concerned someone may be a victim of human trafficking, support is available.
Report concerns to the NCA or contact the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline (24/7).
Awareness and action save lives.
#HumanTraffickingAwareness #ModernSlavery #UKAFNP
Forensic Friday Fact 🧬
Forensic evidence cannot be interpreted in isolation. Injuries, DNA or toxicology findings must always be considered alongside clinical, scene and investigative context.
#ForensicFact #ForensicScience #PoliceCustody #SARC
This Human Trafficking Awareness Month, take time to learn, reflect and act.
Educate yourself. Spot the signs. Raise concerns.
Together, we can help protect the most vulnerable.
#HumanTraffickingAwareness #UKAFNP
