Domestic Violence and Health Care:The Current Climate

• Current Homicide Crisis: 22 incidents, 30 deaths (21 victims, 8 suicides), 5 serious injuries since 1/9/2010

• Public Health Advisory – Governor Patrick 2008, result of increase in DV homicides in 2007– DPH recommendations for routine screening for DV

in all health care settings

• Increased severity/complexity of cases

– More time with clients/providers safety planning and case assessment/intervention

– 6 referrals from ED in 3 days (very serious/high risk cases)

– Strangulation disclosures: 14 in FY 2009; 61 in FY2010

Health Care Response Rationale

• Survivors are disproportionately represented in the health care setting.

• DV underlies many health and mental health issues.

• Health care is neutral setting; likely to see survivors in HC settings who may not seek services in community.

Health Care Responses

• Trauma informed care/compassionate care-giving

• Screening and Identification• Environment of care (i.e. posters, cards)• Validating/normalizing messages about abuse to

all patients• Risk Assessment and Safety Planning• Referrals and Follow-up