Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Dedication
- one Introduction
- two Domestic violence and the medical profession
- Part One Domestic violence patients speak out
- Part Two Clinicians’ knowledge and clinical experience of domestic violence
- Part Three Clinicians’ training and inter-agency collaboration
- fourteen Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Appendix 1 Details of research participants
- Appendix 2 Useful information and contacts
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Dedication
- one Introduction
- two Domestic violence and the medical profession
- Part One Domestic violence patients speak out
- Part Two Clinicians’ knowledge and clinical experience of domestic violence
- Part Three Clinicians’ training and inter-agency collaboration
- fourteen Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Appendix 1 Details of research participants
- Appendix 2 Useful information and contacts
Summary
A number of key points can be extrapolated from the participating women's experiences of domestic violence, which have been the focus of this section. These are summarised below. Many of these points also emerge in Part Two. The fact that both women who experience domestic violence and healthcare professionals themselves raised these issues is important. It suggests that better communication between patients and health practitioners could greatly improve the services women who experience domestic violence are offered. Better services to this group of patients, if combined with appropriate individual responses, would undoubtedly improve the health and well-being of health patients.
Box 5: Injuries
Taken from this small sample, domestic violence-related injuries included:
• Frequently recurring injuries, such as bruised eyes and bruising to upper arms and wrists.
• Serious injuries, including broken ribs, strangulation, weapon wounds and internal injuries.
• Violence during pregnancy to both mother and fetus (should be considered in relation to wider reproductive choices).
• Psychosomatic injuries: self-harming, eating and sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and various components of the complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Para-suicidal activity.
Box 6: Treatment experiences
Key areas for consideration in relation to treatment options are:
• Women want validation of their experience and a ‘sympathetic ear’. Patients may not disclose the origins of their injuries, which makes ‘listening’ problematic. Being ‘neutral’ should be avoided.
• Women often felt blamed. Professionals should offer a non-judgmental approach and not distinguish between women who experience domestic violence and ‘other women’.
• Provide information and advice. Have an adequate knowledge of such information in order to be in a position to provide it.
• Consider the impact of striking a patient off a general practitioner's list where domestic violence may be an issue.
• Be aware of women's need for advocacy. This relates to validation, professional assistance and to general practical help.
• Always consider the role of counselling carefully. Never facilitate joint counselling.
• When prescribing drugs remember that women who experience domestic violence are more likely to engage in para-suicidal activity. • Be aware that women can and do self-medicate. Consider your own responsibilities beyond the professional role. Many women are assisted in self-medication by trained health professionals.
• Always record domestic violence and explain to patients that they have access to such information. This is an easy way to empower women in their help seeking.
• Consider that women are aware of professional constraints and frustrations. This knowledge, culturally transmitted, influences their own sense of self-worth.
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- Domestic Violence and HealthThe Response of the Medical Profession, pp. 73 - 76Publisher: Bristol University PressPrint publication year: 2000