NCJ Number
183324
Journal
Future of Children Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: Winter 1999 Pages: 111-121
Date Published
1999
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the response of the health care system other than the mental health system to domestic violence, to the co-occurrence of adult domestic assault and child abuse, and to the effects of children’s witnessing of domestic violence.
Abstract
The health care system has only recently established protocols and training to enable practitioners to identify and respond to victims of domestic assault. Most hospitals currently have domestic violence protocols in place, although training in the use of protocols is less routine. However, the well-being of the children of abused adults has received little attention in adult health care settings, because the provision of health care focuses on the treatment of the individual. In addition, pediatricians do not routinely receive training in identifying adult domestic violence and do not regard responding to battered mothers as within the purview of their practices. Nevertheless, innovative programs in children's hospitals in Boston and San Diego, Calif., recognize that children's safety is integrally tied to the safety of their mothers. These programs identify abused children whose mothers are the victims of domestic violence and provide advocacy and support that allow mothers and children to remain together in most instances. Opportunities for screening also exist in the settings where adolescents receive health care. Prenatal visits provide regular opportunities for domestic violence screening as well. Integrating the health care needs of mothers and children from violent households will require continued and expanded training, collaboration with community institutions, and improvements in insurance reimbursements to cover the costs of needed services. Photographs and 42 reference notes (Author abstract modified)