A Program to Help Identify Victims of Domestic Violence

Abstract

Domestic violence has been coined an “unacknowledged epidemic.” Nearly 5.3 million women, 18 years and older, are victimized by intimate partners each year. It is estimated that 33% of female emergency room visits are due to domestic violence (DV), yet only 10% are identified as victims. Data indicates that lack of information and unwillingness to question patients has contributed to the deficit of identifying DV victims in the health care setting. Although it may be uncomfortable questioning potential victims, it is a professional responsibility of the dental professional (DP). Being trained, having experience, and feeling comfortable while asking questions may support DP to accept this responsibility. The purpose of these presentations was to inform DP and students about the signs and symptoms of DV so they can comfortably and effectively interact with possible victims. Two programs were presented with the same basic information and pre-assessment and post-assessment questions. The SAFE Question strategy was introduced and opportunities for participants to discuss appropriate questions and discuss referral was provided. A presentation to third year dental students (n=76) in a patient management course and a continuing education course for DP (n= 21) was conducted. The pre-assessment to dental students revealed that more than 60% did not feel comfortable identifying signs and symptoms, documenting/referring, and conversing with possible victims while the post-assessment indicated that 90% felt they would be comfortable questioning the potential DV victim. The pre-assessment to the DP revealed that more than 47% did not feel comfortable and the post assessment revealed that more than 71% would feel comfortable questioning potential DV victims. Although there were positive results from the respondents, it is a goal to include more experience in actually asking questions by role playing or utilizing a standardized patient. Working with a pre-recorded audiotape as the interviewer is also a method being investigated.