NCJ Number
197240
Date Published
December 1999
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This bulletin provides a brief history of domestic violence response in the United States in the past 20 years, and focuses on physicians' and health care workers' specific opportunities and responsibilities in addressing this problem.
Abstract
This bulletin offers specific information and advice to physicians and health care workers in identifying, counseling, and referring victims of domestic violence, in addition to treating their medical needs. It is noted that helping the victim make an exit plan, by use of appropriate referrals and counseling, is also within the purview of the physician and or health care worker, and a list of referrals specific to the trauma needs of victims of intimate partner abuse should be readily available in medical offices and hospital emergency departments. The importance of documentation of abuse by physicians and health care workers is emphasized to assist a victim to put an end to the abuse. The discrimination that has existed against such victims, by insurance companies' use of their medical records to deny coverage, is now being addressed by model State legislation existing now in half of the States. Special populations such as the children of the abused, adolescents, and pregnant women are addressed, with discussion of abuse prevalence, consequences, prevention, and referrals recommendations included. Understanding the legal measures and considerations required by local laws and policies, which vary greatly from State to State, is important for every physician's ability to identify and assist abused women and the abused elderly. In conclusion, it is emphasized that the health care team is uniquely able to help an abused woman begin to move toward ending the violence and fully recovering her health. A table which summarizes basic components of legal remedies generally available to battered women in the United States is included along with a list of source references.