DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 4
Running head: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 1
Processes Involved in Intimate Partner Violence Cases
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Author Note
Processes Involved in Intimate Partner Violence Cases
Over the last few decades, cases of violence have increased. Most of these cases have led to the injury of the abused; physically or psychologically. These have occurred due to domestic violence, child abuse, or elder abuse. Hospitals have been the place of refuge for these victims. When the victims arrive at the hospital, there are various processes and protocols the doctors follow to determine the level of abuse and the kind of treatment, physical or psychological, that these patients receive. Moreover, the violence may be as a result of patients with bipolar disorder or those experiencing post-traumatic stress. Thus the hospitals should have treatment facilities for these violent persons. This paper discusses the results of an interview with a health professional on the processes involved in a case of intimate partner abuse.
Health professionals use a simple tool, Partner Violence Screen (PVS), to detect abuse. The tool contains a series of questions which begin by asking the patient whether he/she has been hit, hurt, punched or kicked, and if so, by whom? The next question asks the patient if they are comfortable in their current relationship. Lastly, the tool examines whether there exists a partner from the patient’s previous relationship who makes them feel unsafe. If all the responses are yes, then the case is termed as an abuse.
After establishing that the patient is a victim of abuse, and establishing what effect the violence had on the person (whether physical or psychological) the medical examiner then refers the patient to the right person to provide treatment. Most of the abuse victims would love to feel a sense of security. A hospital setting offers an aura of safety away from the reach of the abuser hence determining how fast they will recover. Lastly, most hospitals and care facilities treat psychological and violent patients, for example, bipolar patients.
In conclusion, from the interviews, it is clear that most health facilities provide a safe environment for all kinds of illnesses even psychological ones. From the discussion above, it is also clear that before admitting a patient, they have to go through a screening to determine whether they qualify for treatment.
Reference
Rabin, R. F., Jennings, J. M., Campbell, J. C., & Bair-Merritt, M. H. (2009). Intimate partner violence screening tools: a systematic review. American journal of preventive medicine, 36(5), 439-445.