Interdisciplinary Health Care and Female Victims of Domestic Violence

Abstract

Female victims of domestic violence often face uncertainty in hospital emergency rooms. Victims may encounter physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care providers who do not work collaboratively, have limited knowledge of domestic violence, and express negative attitudes. Hence, treatment outcomes may be negative. A retrospective case study of 153 medical records of female victims at two Midwestern hospital emergency medicine departments was completed. Findings suggest positive treatment outcome where interdisciplinary collaboration was evident. Included were more accurate assessments in terms of past history, more descriptive emotional symptoms displayed by victims, and written documentation of recommendations concerning intervention and linkage to community resources. Implications for policy and interdisciplinary training are discussed.

Domestic Violence and Immigrant Communities in the United States: A Review of women's Unique Needs and Recommendations for Social Work Practice and Research

“…Immigrant victims of domestic violence may encounter social workers and health care providers with low levels of cultural competence related to practicing with individuals from other cultures (Shields, Baer, Leininger, Marlow, & DeKeyser, 1998).…”

Victims of Domestic Violence and Front-Line Workers: A Helping Paradigm

“…Research has indicated victims encounter health care providers and social workers with limited knowledge about domestic violence. Moreover, these professionals may express negative attitudes (e.g., viewing the victim as weak or at fault) towards victims (Shields, Baer, Leininger, Marlow, & DeKeyser, 1998). Thus, counselors may play an important role in educating professionals who are the first point of contact for many domestic violence victims.…”

“…Furthermore, research has suggested the large numbers of victims of domestic violence place a strain on an already overburdened healthcare system (Shields, Baer, Leininger, Marlow, & DeKeyser, 1998).…”

Culturally Appropriate Care for Pregnant Latina Women Who Are Victims of Domestic Violence

“…and others (Campbell & Humphreys, 1993) recommend that nurses assess women for abuse at each prenatal visit (or at least once per trimester) and at delivery. Others state that the emergency department is the most appropriate setting for domestic violence screening, as it is a usual first point of entry for abused women (Shields, Baer, Leininger, Marlow, & DeKeyser, 1998). Shields et al maintain that nurses play a pivotal role in violence screening and prevention in this setting.…”