Our Experts
Ann Burgess, R.N., D.N. Sc.
Ann Burgess, R.N., D.N. Sc. is one of the most accomplished nurses in North America, and a pioneer of the field of forensic nursing. Currently Professor of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing at Boston College, Dr. Burgess is Board certified by the American Nurses Association as a Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing and as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner.
Dr. Burgess co-founded one of the first hospital-based crisis intervention programs for rape victims at Boston City Hospital in 1972. Research at that program introduced the Rape Trauma Syndrome in 1974. This diagnosis has since gained admissibility in over 300 appellate court decisions. Dr. Burgess has long since expanded her prolific research interests to explore the use of children in pornography; heart attack victims and return to work; sexual abuse and patterns of crime scenes; children as witnesses in child sex abuse trials; AIDS, ethics, and sexual assault; sexual abuse and exploitation of children; and infant kidnapping. Most recently she has been studying patterns of trauma in elderly and handicapped rape victims and testing interventions for reducing post-trauma symptoms in rape victims. Her latest grant will more closely research internet predatory behavior.
Author of nine textbooks on psychiatric nursing and crisis intervention, Dr. Burgess has also authored ten books on assessment and treatment of child, adolescent, and adult sexual assault victims and serial offenders, including rapists, murderers, child molesters, and abductors. This includes the award winning Crime Classification Manual, and most recently, Practical Rape Investigation. She has co-authored over 135 articles and chapters in rape victimology, as well as six monographs for the Department of Justice on child sex rings, adolescent rape victimization, adolescent runaways, child molesters and abductors, juvenile prostitution, and infant abductions. Dr. Burgess has also maintained a private psychotherapy practice in the Massachusetts area since 1966.
Dr. Burgess was recognized in 1994 for her continuing achievements and contributions by being elected to the Institute of Medicine, a part of the National Academy of Sciences. In 1996, she chaired the National Research Council’s Task Force on Violence Against Women. Her continued commitment to research and investigate matters of sexual and violent crimes keeps her at the forefront of these issues, pushing the limits of mental health’s appreciation for offenders and their victims. She has contributed important understanding to numerous highly sensitive cases in jurisdictions around the United States.