i thought you didn;t have to report domestic violence if the patient said no

by Kari Armstrong 8 min read

The Case Against Mandatory Reporting of Domestic Violence Injuries

6 hours ago  · 1) Tell the victim you are concerned about her safety. 2) Ask if it is safe for her to go home that day. 3) If it is not safe for her to go home, provide her with the number of the domestic violence hotline (800-500-1119) and let her use a private phone. 4) Let her know that there are people who can help her. >> Go To The Portal


Should health care workers be required to report domestic violence?

Many experts in the field of domestic violence suggest that mandated reporting by health care workers is not in the best interests of the victims; it may lead to more violence and increase the victim's reluctance to get needed health care.

How do I get help from the national domestic violence hotline?

Begin your journey to recovery with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). You'll speak with hotline advocates who can provide domestic abuse help by assisting with crisis intervention, safety planning, and giving you a local domestic abuse hotline number.

Why do we need to stop ignoring domestic violence?

Why You Need to Stop Ignoring Domestic Violence. Lupe Cruz Oct 21, 2016. The biggest reason why domestic violence and sexual assault remain so prevalent today is because of silence and lack of knowledge. If you don’t think they’re still common, you should know that one in eight women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.

What is the best time to call a domestic violence hotline?

Call at 5 p.m. Pick up the phone at 2 a.m. Make contact at noon. It doesn't matter. Just call any toll-free domestic abuse hotline and know that your conversation will be kept strictly confidential as you get the help you need and certainly deserve.

image

How do you ask a patient if they are being abused?

How to AskDifferent patients may respond better to different approaches.Make sure to ask in a private environment and do not use family or friends as interpreters.See ethics and privacy section before you start discussion.Patients highly value compassion and the quality of being non-judgemental.

What do doctors do if they suspect abuse?

Discuss any suspicion of abuse sensitively with the patient, whether or not reporting is legally mandated, and direct the patient to appropriate community resources. Report suspected violence and abuse in keeping with applicable requirements.

When caring for a person who reports suffering domestic or intimate partner violence the healthcare professional's action is to?

1.2. Recommendation. Women who disclose any form of violence by an intimate partner (or other family member) or sexual assault by any perpetrator should be offered immediate support. Health-care providers should, as a minimum, offer first-line support when women disclose violence.

Which of the following best describes a verbal complaint of patient abuse or neglect?

A Patient Grievance is a written or verbal complaint by a patient, or the patient's representative, regarding the patient's care (when the complaint has not been resolved at that time by staff present), abuse or neglect, or the hospital's compliance with the CMS Hospital Conditions of Participation (CoP).

What would you do if a patient told you they were being abused?

dostay calm and listen to them.offer them support.write down what they tell you using their own words.keep any evidence safe.get in touch with us or the police.dial 999 in an emergency.

What is considered patient abuse?

Patient abuse or neglect is any action or failure to act which causes unreasonable suffering, misery or harm to the patient. Elder abuse is classified as patient abuse of those older that 60 and forms a large proportion of patient abuse. Abuse includes physically striking or sexually assaulting a patient.

What is the nurses role in domestic violence?

What Does a Domestic Violence Nurse Do? Domestic violence nurses must be experts in providing compassionate care to fragile patients who may be in a crisis state. They must offer physical, mental, and emotional support to these victims, who may be children, adults, or even elderly.

Which is the role of the nurse in a domestic abuse situation?

Nurses are involved in caring for women who suffer from abuse, and their role is to help prevent and protect them from further maltreatment by offering support, understanding and empathetic care.

What role can nurses play for domestic violence non existent?

Nurses can play an important role in working toward the creation of a violence free community but they must first become informed. They must then insist the organisations in which they work accept this responsibility and work together to create environments that support people experiencing domestic violence.

What do you do if a patient complains about you?

Tips on complaintsDeal with all complaints as close to the point of care as possible.Always listen to or read the issues carefully to ensure the complainant's real concerns are being explored - not what you perceive them to be.Manage the response to complaints in a timely manner and ensure the complainant is satisfied.More items...•

What should you do if a patient complains to you?

How to Handle Patient ComplaintsListen to them. As basic as it may sound, this is your first and most important step when dealing with an unhappy patient. ... Acknowledge their feelings. ... Ask questions. ... Explain and take action. ... Conclude. ... Document complaints.

What should a nurse do if she suspects abuse?

If a nurse suspects abuse or neglect, they should first report it to a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Notifying a supervisor may also be required, depending on the workplace.

What are the dilemmas in mandatory reporting of domestic violence?

Dilemmas in mandatory reporting of domestic violence: carative ethics in emergency rooms. Laws are clear when it comes to reporting child abuse, elder abuse, or maltreatment of the disabeled; however, the fuzzy area of domestic violence, or injury to women by their husbands or intimates, puzzles the system ethically and legally.

Is reporting domestic violence in the best interest of the victims?

Many experts in the field of domestic violence suggest that mandated reporting by health care workers is not in the best interests of the victims; it may lead to more violence and increase the victim's reluctance to get needed health care.

Is it legal to report elder abuse?

Laws are clear when it comes to reporting child abuse, elder abuse, or maltreatment of the disabeled; however, the fuzzy area of domestic violence, or injury to women by their husbands or intimates, puzzles the system ethically and legally. Experts are divided on the issue of mandatory reporting of domestic violence by health care professionals.

Abstract

Domestic violence is a nationwide public health issue. It affects people from all walks of life and every age group. Domestic violence is on the rise in Hillsborough County, Florida, up by 2.5% from 2004 to 2005. The Governor's Domestic Violence Task Force suggests that domestic violence is seriously underreported.

METHODS

The research design chosen for this study was a quantitative survey approved by the institutional review board. The questionnaire asked nurses to identify barriers that have prevented them from reporting domestic violence. Total anonymity was maintained because of the subject matter.

SAMPLE

Questionnaires were mailed to 1,000 registered nurses and nurse practitioners randomly chosen from a list made available to the public by the Florida Board of Nursing. All participants maintained addresses in Hillsborough County, Florida, and had an active license.

DATA ANALYSIS

Questionnaires were assigned a numerical value and responses were coded and entered into an Excel spreadsheet. From this, data were analyzed in SPSS. Parametric, descriptive statistics were calculated using χ 2 analyses, frequencies, percentages, and grounded theory.

FINDINGS

Forty-nine nurses (27%) responded that they suspected abuse but did not report, reflecting that the barrier “not enough evidence” was the most frequent barrier selected (32.1%). Serious ramifications were associated with reports of domestic violence that might contribute to hesitancy in reporting.

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its sample size. A total of 1,000 questionnaires were mailed, and 253 were returned. Sixty-nine did not complete the barrier section, thus leaving 184 for analysis. Reporting laws are state specific, therefore Florida laws may not apply to other states.

CONCLUSION

Education is crucial to the development of a greater awareness and an increased understanding of domestic violence. It is essential that there be appropriate multidisciplinary training that is culturally sensitive. Mandatory reporting laws are imperative to provide realistic guidance to healthcare and other professionals.

Are You Ready to Thrive?

Learn more about our online residency program; we pair clinical and professional development to take advanced practice providers to the next level. Get More Info>>

Further Reading on ThriveAP

Nurse Practitioners and Obamacare: How Will Health Reform Affect Nurse Practitioners?

When should you report domestic violence?

Whether you're a victim of domestic violence or merely an observer, you should report domestic violence the moment the first punch is thrown. Call 911 immediately and tell the operator every detail you can about the abuser, the situation, and the violent acts performed, including whether or not a weapon was involved.

What time do you call a domestic abuse hotline?

Call at 5 p.m. Pick up the phone at 2 a.m. Make contact at noon. It doesn't matter. Just call any toll-free domestic abuse hotline and know that your conversation will be kept strictly confidential as you get the help you need and certainly deserve.

How to help a battered person?

You'll speak with hotline advocates who can provide domestic abuse help by assisting with crisis intervention, safety planning, and giving you a local domestic abuse hotline number.

Why don't victims report domestic violence?

Why most victim-survivors don't report domestic violence. While both men and women experience incidents of domestic abuse, women are considerably more likely to experience repeated and severe forms of abuse committed by men — usually an intimate partner. Reasons victim-survivors don't report can be complex because there are so many factors at play, ...

How many Australian women are victims of economic abuse?

Nearly 16 per cent of Australian women experience economic abuse. But many don't recognise it as a form of domestic and family violence. "People who are vulnerable generally have less access to a healthy income, which could give them independence from their partner.

Is disclosure safe for victims of domestic violence?

Ms Donovan says disclosure is not always safe, but victims should feel encouraged to reach out when they feel ready and safe to do so. "The domestic and family violence sector believes you, we are shouting for you, crying for you, we are allies and we won't stop advocating for you. "And we are seeing progress.

What is the criminal code for domestic violence?

Many different statutes criminalize domestic abuse: Penal Code 273.5, corporal injury to a spouse or inhabitant. Penal Code 243 (e) (1) , domestic battery. Penal Code 273d, child abuse.

What is domestic violence in California?

Under California Penal Code 13700, domestic violence is any abuse committed against an intimate partner. Intimate partners include current or former spouses, fiancé (e)s, domestic or live-in partners, and anyone you have a child with. Abuse includes any intentional or reckless use of physical force or threats to use physical force against ...

What to do if a partner fabricates a story of abuse?

Of course, if a partner fabricates a story of abuse that happened either recently or long ago that accuses you, you should consult with an attorney. There is no guarantee that the prosecutor will not investigate and possibly bring charges.

Do California prosecutors report domestic violence?

However, some people don’t immediately report the abuse, which is understandable. Many people try to patch things up with their partner, often believing ...

Can a prosecutor investigate domestic violence?

Factors the Prosecutor Considers. You can report domestic violence at any time. The key issue will be whether the police choose to investigate and whether the prosecutor decides to bring charges. Police will investigate a crime only if there is evidence to obtain. Evidence includes statements by an accuser.

Why should we stop ignoring domestic violence?

The biggest reason why domestic violence and sexual assault remain so prevalent today is because of silence and lack of knowledge. If you don’t think they’re still common, you should know that one in eight women will experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.

What is the hotline for domestic violence in Utah?

If you or someone you love is in a violent relationship, these organizations offer FREE help, and are open 24 hours a day/seven days a week: Utah Domestic Violence Link Line:1 (800) 897-LINK.

How to get away from abusive partner?

Encourage them to seek help. Find a local domestic violence agency that provides counseling or support groups.

How to help someone in an abusive relationship?

Spend time with them. Participating in activities outside of the relationship and spending time with friends and family can be an important step for someone in an abusive relationship.

Why is it important to support someone who is hurt?

It’s important for you to support them no matter what they decide, and help them find a way to safety and peace.

What is mandatory reporting for domestic violence?

(Mandatory Reporting of Domestic Violence by Health Care Providers: A Policy Paper, Hyman, A; Family Violence Prevention Fund, 1997) After a report is made, there is no guarantee that there will be an effective law enforcement response that meets the patient's safety needs or that there will be any actions taken to hold batterers accountable.

What to do if your state has a mandatory reporting law?

If your state has a mandatory reporting law that has not been amended to exclude reporting domestic violence injuries, you can still work with providers to help victims stay safe and healthy. In addition to training providers on how to disclose any limits of confidentiality in their setting, especially if you have major concerns about your reporting law and the risks it might pose for patients, providers can always offer universal education about the health consequences of abuse and the resources available in the community for help.

Why is it important to amend the reporting statutes?

Amending health care reporting statutes may help to enable law enforcement officials to more effectively intervene in crimes of domestic violence. Mandatory reporting by health care providers of minor injuries often does not provide the context or evidence needed for law enforcement officials to conduct a thorough investigation. Furthermore, if a report to law enforcement is made without victim consent, corroborating testimony may often be unavailable. Finally, law enforcement intervention without substantial evidence may aggravate the batterer further without leading to arrest. This may place the victim in additional jeopardy.

image