Domestic violence is a serious problem in our society. Every year, more than 10 million Americans are physically abused and raped by their intimate partners. This equates to nearly 20 people per minute.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, (NCADV) states that one in four American women has suffered "severe intimate partner physical violence," intimate partner contact sexual violence, or intimate partner stalking. These experiences can have long-lasting effects, ranging from fearfulness to physical injuries, PTSD, and the need to seek victim services.

One in three women and one in four men have been subject to violence at the hands of a partner.

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In the past, domestic abuse cases were handled by law enforcement, while nurses and doctors tend to mental and physical wounds. Healthcare providers have been taking the initiative to intervene in domestic violence cases.

How doctors are rising in the ranks

Domestic violence is often viewed as a criminal problem. This is why law enforcement traditionally takes charge of domestic abuse cases. However, victims may find it difficult to navigate emotionally distressing situations by themselves if this approach is used.

Doctors have tried to help victims of abuse in the past, but it's not like they didn't notice. However, there has never been a coordinated and health-focused response to domestic abuse that is overseen by social service partners and trained healthcare professionals.

However, Dr. Anita Ravi could make this a reality.

PurpLE Family health is a unique clinic that treats women who have been victims of sexual assault and intimate partner violence in New York City. It is part of a growing network medical centers and clinics who have realized the critical role they can play in treating domestic violence, and ultimately reducing it.

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Ravi recommends that screenings and conversations be conducted in all medical settings, including pre- and postnatal care. Childbirth is a high-risk period for abuse.

According to a study by Maeve Wallace, Tulane University, and her colleagues in Obetrics and Gynology, homicide is the leading cause for death in pregnancy and the first year following birth. They wrote that homicide in pregnancy or within 42-days of the termination of pregnancy outnumbered all other leading causes of maternal death by more than twofold.

Physicians and other healthcare providers are now working together, rather than waiting for domestic violence victims to come to the ER to be given a brochure. Even policymakers are beginning to look at abuse as a potential health risk.

The ultimate goal is to develop a health-based approach for domestic violence cases, which can then be passed on to social service partners. Instead of the law enforcement department taking over, healthcare and social services workers will handle the cases. However, they will be aware that larger socio-economic factors can have an impact on women's health.

"Exposures to violence, including intimate partner violence has a direct effect on mental and physical outcomes and is directly linked to injury, psychological distress and death in all ages," Chiquita Brooks, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator, told Politico.

Domestic abuse is a disease.

Ravi sees patients in her clinic for immediate medical needs. She also connects them with a network of resources and services that can help them end their relationship, or reduce harm.

Ravi's clinic receives all of its care free of charge, and is paid for by the PurpLE Health Foundation (a non-profit she also founded).

Ravi doesn't see domestic abuse as just broken bones and bruises. Instead, Ravi views it as an infection. He recognizes the potential for chronic harm to spread to others. The cycle of domestic violence can be perpetuated by children who have witnessed it or are the victims.

Ravi has created protocols and tools to help healthcare professionals understand that their job is more than just transferring abused women to the police. She has trained over 5,000 people so far.

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By: Perry Carpenter
Title: ‘I Look At It As An Infection:’ How Doctors Are Taking The Lead In The Fight Against Domestic Violence
Sourced From: www.suggest.com/how-doctors-can-reduce-and-treat-domestic-abuse/2679823/
Published Date: Tue, 11 Oct 2022 11:45:00 +0000

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