Domestic Violence Resources

Screening

Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner abuse, is a serious public health issue that affects people of all social, economic, racial, religious and ethnic backgrounds. The New York State Department of Health, the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the Medical Society of the State of New York, and the American Medical Association recommend that practitioners use the following screening questions when routinely screening members for domestic violence:

• "Do you ever feel unsafe at home?"
• "Are you in a relationship in which you have been physically hurt or felt threatened?"
• "Have you ever been or are you currently concerned about harming your partner or someone close to you?"

While domestic violence screening should be a part of routine practice, the rate of domestic violence might be elevated for members with certain medical conditions and patterns of utilization:

• Gastrointestinal problems.
• Traumatic physical injuries.
• Broken bones or fractures.
• Injuries to head, neck or chest.
• Injuries or complications during pregnancy.
• Chronic pain.
• Sleep problems.
• Bruises.
• Delays in seeking medical attention.
• Dizziness.
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Substance abuse.
• Use of pain medication or tranquilizers.
• Emergency room visits.
• Multiple doctor visits to different doctors.
• Missed or broken appointments.
• History of a suicide attempt.

While the presence of one or even all of these signs does not confirm the presence of domestic violence, it does signal that screening for issues of domestic violence is essential.

Resources

If you are interested in learning more about screening for domestic violence, HIP offers Love Shouldn't Hurt, a free home-study domestic violence training module. Obtain this accredited training by calling 1-646-447-6799. You can also easily obtain a wealth of information about domestic violence resources located in New York City by visiting the Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence's Web site at www.nyc.gov/html/ocdv.

HIP is also pleased to offer Behavioral Health: Information for HIP Primary Care Physicians - a free book to PCPs that contains chapters devoted to domestic violence and ten other behavioral health conditions commonly seen in primary care. Learn practical tips for identifying, diagnosing, treating and making referrals for behavioral health conditions. This book can be requested by calling 1-646-447-6799.