As more accounts of domestic violence are made public, one would think contact for help would be more prevalent as well. It is in the real world. Repeated public disclosure (video, discussion of incidents, etc.) with negative implications is less than desirable for anyone especially victims and their families. This lends to more harm than help possibly generating ideas for potential new and recurring events.
Doctors in Florida are required to complete domestic violence course to maintain licensure. This ensures that anyone who is faced with this situation will get proper guidance and assistance. Many doctors include questions about this on routine wellness exams. Help and prevention of further occurrences from qualified medical professionals is of utmost importance.
Domestic violence is a very sensitive issue that affects health and well being. It is a private matter regardless of those involved. Seeking help is of utmost importance. Prevention, intervention and early detection are essential. This can start in the primary care doctor’s office before it escalates to family violence and ER visits.
Patient safety is a primary concern as is developing a safety plan. Referral to appropriate health care professionals and community-based programs helps patients with the psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of family violence. Other resources can be found by phone or Internet as follows:
· National
Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799- SAFE
(7233)www.thehotline.org
· National
Sex Assault Online Helpline
1-800-656-HOPE
(4673)www.rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-online-hotline
· Institute
of Safe Families
www.instituteforsafefamilies.org
· Academy
on Violence & Abuse
www.avahealth.org
· American
Bar Association
http://apps.americanbar.org/tips/publicservice/safetipseng.htmlKeep you and your family healthy and aware that IPV and family violence is avoidable. Educate and inform seeking help when it is needed. Abuse be it verbal or physical is harmful and unhealthy.
