Recognizing signs

How hidden violence is uncovered in hospital

Over 400 cases of violence were documented at the KUK alone last year

(Bild: Kerschbaummayr Werner)

Abuse that happens behind closed doors and victims who remain silent. This is exactly where so-called "forensic nures" are supposed to help: They are trained to interpret conspicuous behavior and injuries and show ways out of the spiral of violence.

Violence that happens in secret and victims who remain silent - whether out of fear or shame. The physical injuries are often so severe that they have to be treated in hospital. Since January, three forensic nurses have been working at the Kepler Clinic in Linz. Their job is to take a close look, secure evidence and advise and care for victims of violence.

Long sleeves, despite the heat 
"A person's behavior can be suspicious if, for example, they are lying there all curled up. But they also wear long sleeves despite the heat or sunglasses even though it's raining," explains Monika Kern, head of the violence victim support team at the KUK.

Eva-Kathrine Wiredu (Accident and Emergency Department), Monika Kern (Violence Victim Support Team) and midwife Andrea Hofer (from left to right) are forensic nurses at KUK.

(Bild: KUK)

Every suspected case is documented and addressed, but "we can only offer help. If this is refused, nothing happens at first," says Kern. Only serious bodily injury or rape must be reported; the reporting requirements are also stricter for children.

Bad fates
Kern explains: "We had a young boy who was hit so hard in the face by his stepmother that the metal brackets fell off his teeth. One of our cleaning ladies was brought in by a colleague in the morning because she had been beaten up all night by her husband."

High numbers
The figures show just how important the work of the forensic nurses is: 427 cases of violence were documented at the KUK in 2023, 84% of the victims were women. This year, there have already been 188 cases.