NCJ Number
156600
Date Published
1995
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This manual presents the New York State Department of Health's protocol for medical personnel, primarily emergency services staff, in identifying and treating adult victims of domestic violence.
Abstract
A section on the medical response to domestic violence advises that effective medical treatment and intervention for domestic-violence victims must include an understanding of the dynamics of the battering relationship and the resulting effects on the patient. Although physical trauma is a common problem in domestic violence cases, other medical and psychosocial problems can result from ongoing abuse. Medical professionals must identify and respond appropriately to victims of abuse to prevent escalation of the abuse and development of complex physical and psychosocial problems. Another section outlines a medical perspective of the stages of battering, which include injury, illness, isolation, and serious psychosocial problems. Another major section specifies the roles and responsibilities of emergency services staff in the identification and treatment of domestic-violence victims. Responsibilities are delineated for security staff, intake staff, triage staff, provider staff, and social work staff. Legal information is also provided. A summary of the protocol/guidelines lists physical and behavioral signs of domestic abuse and provides guidelines for how to relate to the victim and obtain important information necessary for the protection and treatment of the victim. Appended body-injury map, receipt for evidence form, consent to photograph form, and a resource list