b'| AWARENESS GUIDERecognizing the Signs ofDomestic ViolenceAlert, aware caregivers can take steps to prevent tragediesBy Diane Goodman, RN, MSN-C, CCRN, CNRNA s healthcare providers, we haveBACKGROUND INFORMATION be sexual, psychological, economic, physical, been trained to question new hospi- Domestic violence (also known as intimateother. Abuse occurs within all ethnic back-tal patients about their safety in thepartner violence) occurs between peoplegrounds, age ranges, and socioeconomic home, asking thinly veiled questions designedwho are or have been in a close relationship.levels. Abuse does not involve just physical to screen patients at risk for domestic abuse.It occurs across an entire spectrum of com- violence. Abusive behavior may start with ver-No one is surprised when patients routinelyplaints, including emotional, sexual, andbal and emotional insults and then escalate.answer no because the questions are askedphysical abuse, from threats of future abuse to by rote. We do not expect to receive affirma- stalking. Although many providers automati- STATISTICStive responses to the screen. Even if we seecally think of women when domestic violenceNearly 20 people per minute are physically firsthand evidence of violence or physicalis mentioned, intimate partner violence canabused by an intimate partner in the United injury (e.g. in the Emergency Room or ACU),also occur in same-sex relationships as wellStates. This amounts to more than 10 million the patient may fear the abuser far more thanas against men. men and women per year. Approximately one our questions, so recognizing and under- Domestic violence is about power and con- in every four women and one of every nine standing signs of domestic violence is pivotaltrol; one partner wants to assert control andmen experience severe intimate partner vio-ISTOCKfor nurses in all fields of practice. dominance over the other. The control couldlence and/or intimate partner stalking. The www.elitecme.com |2020| AWARENESS GUIDE 9'