Domestic Abuse Flashcards
What is the definition of domestic abuse?
Any incident or pattern of incidents of CONTROLLING , COERCIVE, THREATENING behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. Can encompass, but not limited to:
- psychological
- physical
- sexual
- financial
- emotional
In what ways does domestic abuse cost society?
Hospital and ambulance GP visits Prescriptions Lost wages for GP visits Mental Health
How does domestic abuse impact on health?
- traumatic injuries
- Somatic problems
- Psychological/psychosocial problems
Give examples of traumatic injury that may result from domestic abuse
- fractures
- miscarriage
- bruises
- haemorrhage
Give examples of somatic problems from abuse
- headache
- GI problems
- chronic pain
- low birth weight
- premature delivery
Give examples of psychological or psychosocial problems secondary to abuse
- PTSD
- suicide
- substance misuse
- depression and anxiety
- eating disorders
- impact on children’s mental health
What is the best indicator of domestic violence?
Injury/incident reported as ‘unwitnessed by anyone else’
How do domestic abuse victims present to health services?
- in the evenings
- saying they could only come in when heir partner drives them in
- delayed presentation for serious injury
What is a risk factor for domestic abuse start/escalation?
Pregnancy
What are the risk levels of domestic abuse?
- STANDARD
- MEDIUM
- HIGH
What does standard risk mean?
current evidence does NOT indicate likelihood of causing serious harm
What is medium risk?
There are identifiable indicators of serious harm. Offender has potential to cause serious harm, but unlikely unless change in circumstances
What is high risk?
There are identifiable indicators of IMMEDIATE RISK of serious harm, which could happen at any time.
What factors in a patient’s history would point to domestic violence? These are the factors included in the DASH assessment
- patient is FRIGHTENED
- isolation
- depression/suicidal
- separated or tried to separate (ex-partners)
- conflict over child contact
- stalking/harassment
- pregnancy or recent baby
- children/step children
- has hurt dependents in the house
- death threats
- violence
- controlling/jealous
- sexual abuse
- partner has hurt someone else before
- animal abuse
- financial abuse
- drug/alcohol problems
- mental health issues in the perpetrator or has tried to commit suicide
- perpetrator has a criminal record/been in trouble with the police
- abuse happening more often/getting worse
- weapons and accomplices
What is the DASH form?
Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment
The form used by non-police agencies when domestic abuse is disclosed
The form determines a risk level and hence the referral pathway for the patient
Complete the form with the patient in private