What Victims of Domestic Violence Experience in Emergency Departments; a Cross Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Domestic violence (DV) is a problem defined as physical, sexual, and/or mental abuse used by one person in a relationship in order to gain control over the other. This study aimed to investigate what victims of domestic violence are experiencing when they present to the emergency department (ED). METHODS: The survey was conducted during the women's initial visit to Sojourner Family Peace Center (SFPC) in Milwaukee, WI. It included 22 questions assessing women’s encounters with screening and treatment for domestic violence in the ED. RESULTS: 24 surveys were collected over 7 months. Thirteen women presented for treatment of injuries related or not related to abuse. Problems with abuse-related care they received were identified. 31% of women presenting with obvious signs of abuse, such as human bite wounds or head injury, were not screened. Four of 11 women were screened with family or law enforcement present. Nine of 11 were screened by a nurse, social worker, or police officer, not a physician. Four women felt rushed by healthcare professionals and that they did not genuinely care. Most noticeably, women were not screened at all. CONCLUSION: DV screening must be done with no family present. Removing law enforcement from rooms is noted to make women feel more comfortable. If a family member is adamant about remaining with the patient, the patient can be removed for a blood draw or sensitive exam to attain privacy. Standardizing screening could aid in making DV victims feel less rushed and more at ease. The courageous women sharing personal stories help pave the way to better treatment for future victims of DV presenting to the ED.