Addressing Domestic Violence in Healthcare Settings

The prevalence of domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, in the US is staggering; annually, more than 10 millions people are abused by an intimate partner and it is estimated that over 15.5 million children are exposed annually to adult domestic violence at home. Healthcare settings provide vital opportunities for domestic violence survivors to encounter information about services and receive help.

At CHOP, a unique medical-community partnership with Lutheran Settlement House (LSH) addresses domestic violence and teen dating violence in the pediatric healthcare setting through the STOP IPV program. STOP IPV supports screening by pediatric healthcare providers to identify families experiencing intimate partner violence and minimize the adverse effects of childhood intimate partner violence exposure. For more information on the STOP IPV program or how to begin a similar program at your healthcare institution/practice, please contact Dr. Ashlee Murray, STOP IPV Program Director, at murraya2@chop.edu.

Providers in all healthcare networks and settings should be asking patients about domestic violence and be prepared to provide support and resources when needed. Watch this four-part series geared toward healthcare providers about the domestic violence screening experience, listening to your patient, building relationships, and more from domestic violence survivors.

Domestic Violence Survivors Advice to Healthcare Providers: The Screening Experience (Part 1 of 4)

When these survivors disclosed that they were experiencing intimate partner violence, they received a variety of responses from their healthcare providers. Learn why it is so critical to create a culture where domestic violence is proactively discussed, and safety is prioritized.

Domestic Violence Survivors Advice to Healthcare Providers: Listening to Your Patient (Part 2 of 4)

Hear first-hand accounts of what resonates with patients – and what doesn’t – following a domestic violence disclosure in a healthcare setting. Survivors share that they want healthcare providers to show them kindness, care, and respect after making a domestic violence situation known.

Domestic Violence Survivors Advice to Healthcare Providers: Building Relationships (Part 3 of 4)

Trust is incredibly important between healthcare providers and patients. This is especially true when a domestic violence situation is disclosed. Hear what makes survivors feel comfortable and secure discussing safety in the home.

Domestic Violence Survivors Advice to Healthcare Providers (Part 4 of 4)

These survivors of intimate partner violence give advice to healthcare providers about working with victims of domestic violence, including listening to the patient’s needs and referring out for additional support, as appropriate.