Domestic Violence & Patients

The statistics and facts on domestic violence are alarming. This is a subject that is discussed now more than ever, and has been brought to the forefront of law officials and the general public.

Domestic Violence Past

Years ago domestic violence was not recognized as an actual act of violence. Any act of violence that was committed between a husband and wife was completely considered a private matter, and was not discussed outside the home. Many people suffered, many children watched their parents suffer as they suffered themselves being a part of it. Thankfully much has changed, and this is now very much in the public eye. When patients are admitted to a hospital or visit an emergency room, they are asked if they feel in danger. Depending on their response, the questions may extend deeper to determine if there needs to be concern.

When to Report

There may be a fine line in some cases on reporting concerns regarding a patient's safety. Essentially, it is better to report any suspicions to the social worker, and let them make the determination. Better safe than sorry. If you are caring for a patient that has been admitted, there are signs and indications you can look for, that may be an indication there is a problem.

The patient seems to have a very low self esteem. The patient may avoid eye contact, and provide limited answers to questions. You may sense a strong hesitancy from the patient in regards to offering personal information.
A patient that seems to be exceptionally quiet when their partner is in the room. You should take note of this type of behavior and report it to the social worker for further investigation.
Patients that have multiple bruises or injuries could indicate a problem. If you notice that the patient has multiple hospital stays, all resulting from accidents, such as falls, etc., it is worth mentioning to the social worker. They are trained to investigate further, and to make a determination if law enforcement should be alerted.

For many patients that are hospitalized due to domestic violence, this may be the only opportunity they have to express concerns for their own safety. Don't ever hesitate to take appropriate action if there is a question in regards to a patient's safety..

Domestic Violence Facts

Domestic/dating violence is a pattern of controlling behaviors that one partner uses to get power over the other. Including: physical violence or threat of physical violence to get control, emotional or mental abuse and sexual abuse.
85% of domestic violence victims are women.
1/4 of women worldwide will experience domestic/dating violence in their lifetime. Women between the ages of 20 to 24 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence.
Domestic violence is most likely to take place between 6pm and 6am.
The costs of domestic violence amount to more than $37 billion a year in law enforcement involvement, legal work, medical and mental health treatment, and lost productivity at companies.
As many as 324,000 women each year experience intimate partner violence during their pregnancy.
Boys who witness domestic violence are 2 times as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women – more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
1/2 of all homeless women and children in the U.S. are fleeing from domestic violence.
Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten. In 60% to 80% of intimate partner homicides, no matter which partner was killed, the man physically abused the woman before the murder.

Related: Nursing Shortage Solutions

Domestic violence is a problem that can happen to people of all walks of life. While it is most common to see women as the victims of domestic violence, don't overlook the fact that it can happen to men also. When a man is a victim of domestic violence they are often very reluctant to speak up, as it's rare for men to be the victim. This does not discount the fact that it can happen. The same warning signs can occur with a male patient, and should also be reported to the social worker for further investigation.

Thankfully law enforcement and emergency dispatchers now take the subject of domestic violence seriously. If you suspect a patient is being abused, do not hesitate. Report it immediately. Their life may depend on it.

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