Citation

Coll-Vinent Puig B. Emergencias 2008; 20(4): 269-275.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, SEMES - Sociedad Española de Medicina de Urgencias y Emergencias)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Domestic violence is a significant health problem and the case prevalence rates are high in emergency departments. The staff of these departments are in an excellent position to detect cases of abuse and intervene early in the process. However, few cases are in fact identified because of certain attitudinal barriers affecting both the women who are victimized and the health care staff who treat them. Attention to signs that should raise suspicion of abuse and even systematic screening are therefore recommended. In all cases it is important to carry out a private interview, to guarantee confidentiality, and to offer help. Victims should be cared for in an individualized way that takes into consideration the woman's situation and preferences and the level of threat to her life. The medical problem that occasioned the visit should be treated and the need for psychiatric care assessed. Appropriate social assistance should be offered and legal requirements met, with particular attention to keeping accurate medical records and notifying authorities when necessary. The problem calls for a multidisciplinary approach, especially by creating good channels of communication between the emergency department, primary care, and social services. Staff training and awareness raising are critical in order to improve the emergency care presently given to women who are victims of domestic violence. [Emergencias 2008;20:269-275]