HOW HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS CAN RESPOND:

In 2007, over 60,000 911 emergency calls were made for assistance in domestic violence situations in Memphis. Of those calls, 5,000 were referred for prosecution.

A telephone survey of women in Memphis found that prevalence of domestic violence in Memphis is 27.5%, slightly higher than the national prevalence rate of 21.45%.

Of the women surveyed in Memphis, 14% reported abuse by their current partner, 16% reported death threats made by a past partner, and 9% reported sexual assault by a past partner.

You can help if you suspect that a patient or someone you know is living in an abusive relationship. Your support of someone who is being abused can make a critical difference. If she feels supported and encouraged, she may feel stronger and more able to make decisions. If she feels judged or criticized, she could be afraid to tell anyone else about the abuse again.

• AWAY FROM ANY POTENTIAL ABUSER, ASK your patient if he/she is experiencing domestic violence. A good way to frame the question is to state that your primary concern is his/her health and that domestic violence occurs often enough that you ask patients about it regularly.
• INFORM him/her about referrals/resources. For copies of appropriate materials, contact Shelby County Crime Victim Center at 545-4357 or go to erasedomesticcrime.com to print copies of this resource card and other information. Make sure material passed to victims is small enough to be hidden from the potential abuser.
• DOCUMENT information and actions taken in the medical record.
• SUGGEST your patient use steps outlined below to prepare for a safe way to leave.
• REPORT domestic violence in Tennessee: State law requires any person who has knowledge of or suspects abuse or neglect of a minor child to report to the Department of Children’s Services, Division of Child Safety at1-877-237-0004. Anyone with knowledge of or who suspects abuse of an elderly person or a dependent adult is required to report to Adult Protective Services at 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366) or 320-7220. Health care providers are encouraged to report suspected intimate partner violence and resulting injuries online to Department of Health, Office of Health Statistics on a monthly basis solely for tracking prevalence.
• VOLUNTEER, DONATE and SUPPORT organizations and agencies that help victims of domestic crime. Go to erasedomesticcrime.com or phone 545-4357 for opportunities and places to help.

HEALTH consequences of domestic violence. Forms of abuse include emotional, sexual, physical, financial, etc. Physical injuries resulting from domestic violence range from minor injuries to more serious injuries associated with long-term disability such as traumatic brain injury.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has been associated with an increased risk for HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections, and health conditions related to chronic stress such as stomach ulcers, migraines, or chronic pain. IPV has been associated with emotional problems including low self-esteem, depression, suicide and substance abuse.

Children who witness domestic violence are more likely to be aggressive with peers and develop emotional problems including depression and anxiety. Childhood domestic violence is associated with later substance use, suicide attempts, homelessness and traumatic victimization.

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