Medical Screeniing for domestic violence: A Case Study

• In Event: Scholar to Scholar Session I

Abstract

Nearly 50 percent of women have experienced domestic violence in the lives. Most of victims fail to seek out advocacy services of women’s centers, but are seen in emergency rooms and medical offices for medical treatment stemming from the abuse. Medical advocacy programs provide a unique opportunity to better train medical personnel in domestic violence screening techniques and to connect victims with a wider array of services available by the non-profit sector. This case study examines the development of a medical advocacy program in the Pittsburgh area, shares best practices and examines independent evaluation of the program.

Authors

• John R. Chapin, Penn State Beaver County

• Grace Coleman, Crisis Center North