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Abstract
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Study objectives: Domestic violence is a significant pathology. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women aged 15 to 44 years, more common than automobile accidents, muggings, and rapes combined (Office of the US Surgeon General; January 1994). Despite this pathology, literature reports that as few as 1.5% of women victims of domestic violence are screened in the primary care setting. We survey a population of domestic abuse victims in transitional housing about their experiences in emergency department (ED) that either helped or hindered their success.
Methods: This was an observational study conducted though the 19 domestic violence agencies that provide transitional housing services in Pennsylvania. The study population was individuals successfully leaving the abusive environment, as evidenced by completing a shelter stay and subsequent participation in transitional housing. A survey was developed in conjunction with the domestic violence agencies. The survey was administered by a single agent within each organization. Those in shelter housing were not surveyed, and those who intended to return to the original environment were excluded.
Results: One hundred forty-one surveys were returned. Of individuals successfully leaving the domestic violence environment who needed medical care and sought that care in the ED (N=48), 79.1% (N=38) were asked about abuse by some member of the ED staff. Twenty-one (55%) of 38 were asked about their abuse by more than 1 individual. Of those specifying the results of ED screening (n=39), 89% (n=35) received assistance; 65% (n=25) received more than 1 kind of assistance. Seventy-nine percent of those who received help in the ED thought that the help was adequate.
Conclusion: In a population selected for success in leaving the domestic violence environment who sought care in EDs, high numbers of individuals were queried about their abuse, a majority were offered more than 1 type of assistance, and most believed that the help they received was adequate. The ED can be an effective environment for uncovering and addressing domestic violence.
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