Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine - VIFM

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Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine - VIFM

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
Expert Forensics | Family Health | Compassionate Care

Expert Forensics | Family Health | Compassionate Care

The Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine provides forensic pathology, forensic science and mortuary services, and supports families with compassionate care. We turn evidence into insights that informs justice, protects communities and advances public healthcare.

02/12/2025

Andrea, Cecily, Kristin and Marissel, all fabulous and dedicated Forensic Nurse Examiners at VIFM, recently attended the FAMSACA Conference on the Gold Coast to explore current developments in forensic medicine and clinical forensic practice. We love their commitment to professional development, and providing the best possible care and forensics for victim survivors of sexual assault across Victoria.

Forensic and Medical Sexual Assault Clinicians Australia (FAMSACA) is a professional organisation for nurses and medical practitioners who practice in sexual assault.

In their words:

👩‍⚕️"The conversations, stories, and shared commitments at FAMSACA are helping to shape a future where healing and dignity are at the heart of every response."

👩‍⚕️"Feeling grateful, inspired, and humbled to be part of this important work."

👩‍⚕️ "Key themes included emerging trends in trauma-informed care, advances in forensic assessment, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration."

‍👩‍⚕️"It was a privilege to be asked to speak on the state round up question panel to represent Victoria which focused on what each state is currently doing to respond to domestic family violence."

25/11/2025

Today marks White Ribbon Day and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

At the VIFM, we stand firmly for a future for women that is free from violence.

In the lead-up to today, we have been proud to shine a light on the vital work of our Clinical Forensic Medicine (CFM) division - dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care to all victims of physical and sexual assault, and especially women. Women disproportionately experience sexual violence, with women much more likely to be victims; and most offenders being male.

We’ve been featuring the work of our Forensic Doctors and Nurses including :
🔹 Dr Janine Rowse, featured on Ch9's 'ACS: The Investigators', highlighting the critical role of forensic medical examinations inside the harrowing investigation that exposed one of Victoria's most dangerous predators.
🔹 Dr Maaike Moller, whose work with MRI in non-fatal strangulation was recently profiled in 'The Age', demonstrating how advancing medical practice strengthens justice, convictions and victim-survivor care.
🔹 Amanda Demasi, one of our newest Forensic Nurse Examiners, who brings skill, empathy and dedication to the frontline of forensic healthcare. She is one of nine new Forensic Nurse Examiners we recently added to the CFM team, strengthening support for victim-survivors across the whole of Victoria.

We also showcased our new Clinical Forensic Medicine model, designed to enhance accessibility, availability, and support for victim-survivors across Victoria.

Learn more: https://www.vifm.org/vifm-leads-new-approach-to-clinical-forensic-care/

Today, and every day, VIFM stands with survivors.

We stand for safety, for justice — and for the elimination of violence against women.

21/11/2025

🎥 Meet Amanda Demasi - one of our newest Forensic Nurse Examiners.

In this video, Amanda shares what drew her to forensic nursing and how she hopes to make a difference for victim-survivors across Victoria.

We’re excited to welcome nine new FNEs to the VIFM Clinical Forensic Medicine team - and just in time for White Ribbon Day next week.

White Ribbon Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing violence against women and supporting those affected by it. Our new FNEs will play a vital role in this work, providing compassionate, trauma-informed care to people who have experienced sexual assault, family violence, and other serious incidents.

We’re incredibly proud of Amanda and all our new FNEs. Their skills, empathy and dedication strengthen our service and help ensure that everyone who comes to us in a moment of crisis is treated with dignity and respect.

Please join us in welcoming them to the team - and in recognising the importance of White Ribbon Day as we stand together to end gender-based violence.

17/11/2025

🌼 Supporting Victim-Survivors Ahead of White Ribbon Day 🌼

The Age recently highlighted the vital work happening inside Victoria’s forensic response to non-fatal strangulation — and we’re proud that VIFM’s experts are at the forefront of this important shift.

Non-fatal strangulation is a strong predictor of future violence. Our Clinical Forensic Medicine team plays a crucial role in supporting victim-survivors by providing sensitive clinical care, detailed documentation of injuries, and expert reports that can help progress investigations and court outcomes.

🔍 World-leading MRI capability
VIFM is home to Australia’s only post-mortem MRI facility of its kind — a world-class resource that’s now also informing how we support living victim-survivors. This advanced capability helps capture subtle internal injuries that might otherwise go unseen, strengthening both medical assessment and the justice process.

🤝 Standing with victim-survivors
In the lead-up to White Ribbon Day, we’re highlighting the essential and compassionate work our clinicians perform every day to support people affected by sexual and physical assault.

We stand with victim-survivors.
We stand with our partners across Victoria who are working to prevent violence.
And we remain committed to providing evidence-based, trauma-informed care when it’s needed most.

If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.

12/11/2025

🎬Get ready to tune in to tonight's episode of "ACS: The Investigators" at 8.40pm on Channel 9 and 9Now to see Dr Janine Rowse, one of our Forensic Physicians, discuss the role of Clinical Forensic Medicine in a highly complex sexual assault investigation.

Tonight's episode is titled *'Uncovering Evil'*, and takes viewers inside the harrowing investigation that exposed one of Victoria's most dangerous predators.

“It is an immense privilege to contribute to the sharing of this important story. This investigation really showcases what the Clinical Forensic Medicine (CFM) team do at the Institute, and the importance of collaboration with the Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) team at Victoria Police. Above all, I hope it brings comfort to those who have been affected to see the dedication, care and respect all of us on the frontline have for victim survivors.”
Dr Janine Rowse, Forensic Physician, VIFM.

06/11/2025

On International Pathology Day, we were fortunate to hear from Dr Linda Iles, a Forensic Pathologist at the VIFM - and a leading Forensic Neuropathology specialist - on her research work in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), the progressive, degenerative brain disease linked to repetitive head trauma.

Our pathology teams contribute to growing the understanding of complex conditions such as CTE. With consent, our specialists can examine the brain after death to help understand whether CTE was present. This work is done with great care and respect, and families are supported throughout the process by one of our Family Health nurses.

By contributing to research in this area, families are helping improve knowledge that may protect and support others in the future. Today, we say thank you to those families, and to all pathologists, mortuary staff, scientists and nurses who support them.

Every family matters. Every person’s story matters. Every shared insight helps others.

05/11/2025

🔬Happy International Pathology Day!

At VIFM, our forensic pathologists and mortuary teams turn evidence into answers — supporting families, informing justice, and helping keep communities safe. Much of our work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is profound.

Thank you to all the pathologists and mortuary teams everywhere for making a difference every day! And extra special thanks to some of our mortuary team for this fabulous and rare team photo!

27/10/2025

VIFM at ANZFSS 2025: Behind the Scenes with our Forensic Scientists and Mortuary teams at last week's annual symposium of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society, held in Melbourne. Thanks to VIFM's Nat Price, for the 'reel' inspiration, and to for their official photo's, and the VIFM team for their selfies, particpation and more!

26/10/2025

VIFM at ANZFSS 2025: 🔍Behind the Scenes with Our Forensics & Mortuary teams at Symposium of the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society, held in Melbourne, from October 12–16, 2025. Here's VIFM's Nat Price, who's also the social events chair on the ANZFSS comittee ❤️

23/10/2025

We were delighted to host visiting Paediatric Radiologist, Dr Susie Shelmerdine this week to see the VIFM's Forensic Radiology department, which includes dedicated CT and MRI scanners. Her visit included sessions with the Radiology and Pathology teams, sharing her research, and giving us some feedback on Australia ❤🙏

22/10/2025

Today – 22 October 2025 – we join with Australians everywhere to observe Saffron Day, a day of powerful meaning and hope.

Saffron Day was founded in honour of young Deyaan Udani, whose decision and legacy as an organ and tissue donor continue to save lives and inspire.

At Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria, we stand in solidarity with this mission. We celebrate the incredible gift of donation – the gift of second chances, renewed life, and stronger communities.

We invite everyone to:

✅ Register your decision to become an organ and tissue donor.
🧡 Wear something orange – saffron is a symbol of strength, courage and the selfless act of giving.
👪 Talk with your loved ones about your decision. Your family’s awareness makes a life-saving difference.

Every year in Australia, thousands of people are on waiting lists, hoping for the gift of life. By registering your donor decision and having that conversation, you become part of something bigger – you become hope.

Thank you to all donors and their families for your courage and kindness. And thank you to the communities across Victoria and the nation who help carry this message forward.

Together, we can transform today into a gesture with a legacy.

Address

65 Kavanagh Street Southbank
Melbourne, VIC
3006

Telephone

+61396844444

Website

http://www.vifm.org/

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