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THE SPRING PROJECT: Domestic Violence Resources
Healthcare Responses to Domestic Violence
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Estimates are that 2 percent to 4 percent of all women seen in hospital emergency departments have acute trauma associated with domestic violence and another 10 percent to 12 percent of women have a recent history of domestic violence. While the majority of injuries sustained by domestic violence victims are classified as superficial, an estimated 73,000 hospitalizations and 1,500 deaths among women are attributed to domestic violence each year. (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality).
Domestic violence is a health care issue. Most women visit health care providers for routine medical care, and victims of domestic violence also see health care providers for treatment of their injuries. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that 37 percent of all women who sought care in hospital emergency rooms for violence-related injuries were injured by a current or former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend.
This puts health care providers in a unique position to help victims of abuse, if they know how to detect domestic violence and provide victims with referrals and support. But, too often, health care providers do not discuss abuse with their patients or screen patients for domestic violence. Fewer than ten percent of primary care physicians routinely screen patients for domestic violence during regular office visits, according to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1999.
It is especially important to note that whenever translation is needed, that spouses, children, friends or other patients should NOT be called on to help. If the abuser gets to translate, they have total control over events and information passed on to you. Additionally, children may be traumatized when translating details of abuse and the child may face greater risk of retaliation from the abusing partner. The use of these types of translators may also make the victim especially hesitant to reveal sexual assault - so it's of vital importance that an impartial party is retained to provide translation services. Keep in mind that under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, patients with limited English proficiency have the right to receive free translator services from any healthcare provider who receives Federal financial assistance. Translation services can also be provided by telephone line translators.
Helpful Resources
Documenting Domestic Violence: How Health Care Providers Can Help Victims (PDF).
From the National Institute of Justice, September 2001 research brief. 6 pages.
Domestic Violence : A Resource Manual for Health Care Professionals (PDF).
This resource manual on domestic violence, aimed at healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom, is authored by Melanie Henwood, Independent Health and Social Care Analyst, and provided on the Web by the Department of Health (DH). Published in 2000, this manual aims to serve as a practical working guide for professional healthcare staff and assist staff that deal with domestic violence. Sections cover background information, statistical information, how to recognise domestic violence, disclosure, multi-agency co-operation, and education and training. 88 pages.
Web-Based Instrument to Help Hospitals Assess Domestic Violence Programs.
Instrument and instructions can be downloaded from the The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Hospitals can use this instrument to assess how well hospital-based programs provide training for health care professionals in recognizing domestic violence, patient screening to determine their risk of domestic violence and future injury, and intervention, including medical treatment and victim advocacy services and followup. The tool asks 38 questions and provides guidance to hospitals in assessing the performance of their programs.
Model Programs
Sharp Grossmont Hospital Helping Victims of Domestic Violence.
November 17, 2003. The first freestanding forensic medical unit in the country. Sharp Grossmont Hospital (San Diego) has partnered with the San Diego Family Justice Center to help provide medical care to victims of domestic violence. The new Forensic Medical Unit is the country's first freestanding clinic dedicated to treating victims of domestic violence.
