Abuse Flashcards
If you suspect child abuse, who MUST a physician report to?
Children’s Aid Society.
Do not need to report directly to police. CAS can decide to do this if necessary.
What constitutes permissive reporting? (vs mandatory)
There are circumstances where the disclosure of personal information is permitted by law or based in professionalism and ethics. Physicians hold discretionary power in this regard, and are expected to rely upon their professional judgment when assessing the appropriateness of disclosing such information.
1) Disclosure to prevent harm:
- there is a clear risk to an identifiable person or a group of persons;
- there is a risk of serious bodily harm or death; and
- the danger is imminent.
2) Physician incapacity or incompetence:
Physicians are expected to take appropriate and timely action when they have reasonable grounds to believe that another physician or health-care professional is incapacitated or incompetent.
In terms of a safety plan, what constitutes an emergency check list?
If leaving in a hurry, take:
- extra car or house keys
- passports, SIN
- birth certificates, immigration papers
- driver’s license, health card
- Rx and other meds
- toys and comforts for children
- emergency shelter
- transportation
- plan for follow up care
- teach children to call police
Abuse can present as?
- trauma
- vague abdominal concerns
- anxiety
- insomnia
- depression
- multiple medical concerns
- substance abuse
Vulnerable populations?
pregnant women women who have just given birth immigrants children elderly mental disorders physical disabilities financially dependent on abuser
Teenage behaviour as a result of witnessing a woman being abused?
suicidal behaviour being abused or becoming abusive disrespect for females bullying poor peer relationships running away feeling over-responsible pleasing behaviour anxiety and tension
Behaviour of pre-teens as a result of witnessing a woman being abused?
low self-esteem PTSD self-harm bullying depression perfectionism problems in school inappropriate sexual behaviour alcohol/drug use
Behaviour of preschoolers as a result of witnessing a woman being abused?
poor concentration fear separation anxiety frequent illness hitting, biting clinging anger and aggression cruelty to animals regressive behaviour destruction of property
Behaviour of infants as a result of witnessing a woman being abused?
excessive crying fearful of loud noises delays in development disruption in eating and sleeping routines physical neglect
What to document in your chart in cases of abuse?
Specify “domestic violence”, “patient states” ,“injuries inconsistent/consistent with”
Location, severity of each injury (use body map if needed)
Abuser’s name(s); date and times (if known) of abuse, previous violent contacts, emotional assessment, non physical indications of abuse
Police information (name, ID number), if relevant
Whereabouts and safety of children
